Global Digital Compact
In September 2024, world leaders gathered at the United Nations Summit of the Future in New York and adopted the Pact for the Future, a landmark multilateral agreement designed to modernize international cooperation and address global challenges in the 21st century. As an annex to the Pact, Member States also agreed on the Global Digital Compact (GDC), a comprehensive framework for digital cooperation that sets out shared objectives, principles, commitments and actions to build an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe and secure digital future for all.
The need for the Global Digital Compact reflects general recognition that digital technologies – including artificial intelligence, data systems, connectivity and digital public infrastructure – are rapidly transforming societies, economies and development prospects. While these technologies offer unmatched opportunities to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, they also give rise to new risks and inequalities unless their benefits are shared equitably and their governance is inclusive and rights-based. The Compact sets out a future-oriented vision anchored in international law, human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure technologies advance development, protect freedoms, and leave no one behind.
The Global Digital Compact is the conclusion of an intergovernmental negotiation process that involved extensive consultations among Member States and engagement with stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, the technical and academic communities, and international organizations. The Compact underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder participation in shaping global digital cooperation. Its adoption as part of the Pact for the Future demonstrates a shared commitment by UN Member States to strengthen international cooperation on digital governance and to address digital divides both between and within countries.
At its core, the Compact emphasizes the need to close digital divides and expand equitable access to connectivity, skills, data and technologies, particularly for developing countries and vulnerable populations. It also commits to fostering an open, interoperable and secure digital space that respects and promotes human rights online, supports data governance approaches that are fair and inclusive, and enhances international cooperation on the governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity. The Compact also highlights the indispensable contributions of non-state actors – including the private sector, civil society, research and academic communities – whose innovation, expertise and resources are essential to achieving an inclusive digital future.
Blockchain Alliance International welcomes the adoption of the Global Digital Compact and looks forward to engaging actively in its implementation. BAI will continue to work with the UN system and global partners to support efforts that harness digital technologies responsibly and sustainably, promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, and bridge digital divides in service of the Sustainable Development Goals. Through continued partnership with governments, international organizations, civil society and the technology community, BAI aims to help shape an open, equitable and human-centred digital future for all.