Training on Global Digital Compact and Digital Governance

Event summary

DiploFoundation, in cooperation with the UN Tech Envoy Office and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), ran the training for diplomats appointed to the UN in New York. The main aims were to increase awareness and knowledge about digital governance and to help diplomats negotiate future UN digital documents, including the Global Digital Compact. 52 diplomats attended the training. Priority was given to diplomats from small and developing countries. 

The course deployed Diplo’s multi-layered technology by:

• starting with basic understanding of technology, including the functioning of internet, data platforms, and AI.
• diving deeper into the current level on digital and AI issues.
• further concentrating on the issues that the Global Digital Compact will address.

Two days of workshops covered the following topics:

Internet technology and policy 

• How does the internet work? And who governs it (actors)? 
• Key internet governance processes, from WSIS to the GDC.
• Internet governance challenges (bigtech, fragmentation, multistakeholderism, tech progress, whom to call for IG solutions)
• Open and global internet: What does it mean? What are the key challenges of internet fragmentation (technical, regulatory, commercial)?

Digital inclusion: From connectivity to skills

• Digital infrastructures: the backbone of the internet.
• Elements of digital inclusion: network connectivity, affordability, meaningful access, capacities and skills, gender, etc. 

Data governance: Between privacy protection and free data flows 

• Privacy and data protection in the digital space. Policy and tech solutions (including encryption).
• Data in support of the digital economy: innovations, data markets, and other opportunities. 
• International data flows: between protectionism and free flows. 
• Data governance frameworks: Global, regional, and national approaches. Customised approaches (depending on the type of data). 

Trust, safety and security in the digital space

• Risks 
• Issues: Peace and security | Approaches to tackling illegal and harmful content online | Network security and the protection of critical infrastructure |  Cybercrime | Safety and child protection | Awareness and skills | AI
• Approaches: Global processes and norms (critical infrastructure, responsible use) | Regional cooperation | National instruments | Capacity building and competences | Multistakeholderism: Roles and responsibilities.

Human rights online 

• Challenges to protecting freedom of expression online.
• Beyond privacy and freedom of expression, what other challenges do digital technologies bring to the exercise of human rights?
• How can we better protect and promote the rights of women and girls, children, and people in vulnerable situations in the digital space?
• Roles and responsibilities for private and public actors. 

Global digital commons

• From open standards to open content, what do we mean by digital commons? 
• How to advance digital public goods to achieve the benefits of digital transformation, without causing harm?

Artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies 

• What is and what is not AI? And what does the future hold? Policy implications of AI: economic, social, human rights, etc. 
• Advanced and emerging technologies (quantum computing, metaverse, augmented and virtual reality, biotechnology, etc.): Hype, reality, and governance challenges. 

Data, technology, and sustainable development

• What is required to harness data and digital technologies for SDGs and inclusive economies and societies? Who is doing what at the international level, and what is missing? 
• UN’s role in promoting human-centric digital transformation