This blog summarizes the article originally published on the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)’s website by Dr. Stefaan Verhulst.
In September 2024, world leaders convened in New York for the 78th United Nations General Assembly to address urgent global challenges like conflict, climate change, and migration. Amid these pressing issues, another significant topic is set to take center stage: digital governance. A major step toward this goal is the development of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), a UN initiative designed to outline principles for an open, free, and secure digital future for all.
The GDC is now on the verge of ratification, marking a rare moment of consensus in global digital governance. It builds upon previous UN efforts and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, as the GDC moves toward formal adoption, the true challenge lies in implementing its key objectives to create a lasting, responsible, and inclusive digital ecosystem. Here are four critical steps to make the Compact’s vision a reality.
1. Advancing Digital Self-Determination
Digital self-determination (DSD) is the ability of individuals and communities to control how their data is used. This concept goes beyond personal consent, recognizing the importance of community-led processes that reflect collective norms and values. Social licenses—agreements that allow communities to participate in digital governance—can complement individual consent mechanisms and ensure that governance frameworks respect collective interests.
Importantly, advancing DSD requires a context-specific approach. A one-size-fits-all governance model could alienate marginalized communities and undermine trust. By incorporating local input and allowing flexibility, the GDC can align global digital governance standards with diverse community needs, creating a more inclusive digital future.
2. Making Data Collaboration More Systematic
We live in an era of data abundance, yet paradoxically, much of this data remains inaccessible due to privatization and fragmentation. This “data winter,” marked by the siloed nature of data, limits opportunities for collaboration. The growth of AI has further intensified concerns around data rights and usage.
To overcome these challenges, the GDC must prioritize data collaboratives—frameworks that encourage data sharing across sectors for public good. These collaboratives can help break down barriers, enabling data to be repurposed for critical purposes such as public health, climate action, and social equity. By making data collaboration more systematic and ensuring it is governed by robust frameworks, the Compact can foster a healthier, more open data ecosystem.
3. Re-imagining Data Stewardship
As data becomes more valuable, it also becomes more difficult to govern effectively. The risks associated with data—such as breaches of privacy and security—make it essential to have clear governance mechanisms in place. This is where data stewards come in.
Data stewards are individuals, organizations, or institutions responsible for ensuring that data is used ethically and effectively. However, the current practice of data stewardship remains underdeveloped. To address this, the GDC must work to define clear roles and responsibilities for data stewards, provide guidelines for best practices, and encourage knowledge sharing. Re-imagining data stewardship will be critical to fostering trust and maximizing the societal benefits of data use.
4. Shifting from Data-Centric to Question-Centric Approaches
One of the GDC’s broad objectives is to create a global digital commons that supports a range of specific goals. However, to make meaningful progress, the international community must first engage in question-centric thinking. This means taking a step back from data and focusing instead on identifying the most important questions that need to be addressed.
By asking the right questions, we can prioritize which digital challenges deserve the most attention and resources. This approach ensures that scarce resources—whether financial or human—are allocated efficiently. A science of questions can guide us toward the most desirable and impactful outcomes, ensuring that we stay focused on what truly matters.
The Path Ahead
The formal ratification of the Global Digital Compact is a monumental step forward, but the real challenge is turning its principles into actionable results. By advancing digital self-determination, fostering data collaboration, re-imagining data stewardship, and adopting a question-centric approach, we can create a digital future that is not only innovative but also inclusive, equitable, and secure.
The road to a responsible and open digital world is long, but with a clear focus on these key steps, the GDC offers a unique opportunity to reshape global digital governance and unlock the full potential of the digital age for everyone.
Read the full original piece here!