The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development called on governments, industry, academia, and civil society to collaborate to support the forthcoming UN Global Digital Compact.
The meeting held in New York today just days before the UN’s Summit of the Future, stressed the need for international cooperation to create a resilient, inclusive, and safe digital future.
The Commission emphasized the importance of the Global Digital Compact and the Pact for the Future, which are expected to be finalized at the upcoming UN Summit. Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation, highlighted the urgency of collective action,
Ingabire stated:”How do we collectively harness digital technologies to protect, empower, and include every member of our society? Stronger collaboration across industries, governments, and international organizations is essential.”
Key issues discussed included the need to enhance digital resilience, reinforce infrastructure, and address emerging threats through multistakeholder cooperation.
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Carlos M. Jarque, representing Commission Co-Chair Carlos Slim, pointed out the significance of investing in connectivity and applications to maximize innovation, with a focus on energy efficiency and privacy.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), emphasized the Commission’s responsibility to use broadband for positive global impact, stating, “Our work is interconnected with the lives of billions around the world.”
The meeting also introduced the Commission’s upcoming Data Governance Toolkit, aimed at providing governments with practical guidance on effective data governance in the digital age.
With over 50 commissioners and global representatives in attendance, the Fall Meeting set the stage for the UN’s Summit of the Future, underscoring the role of broadband in shaping a sustainable digital future for all.
