In order to promote a common goal for the future of digital technology, the United Nations has introduced a proposed international framework called the Global Digital Compact (GDC). It sets up guidelines for online human rights protection, data security, digital inclusion, and worldwide solidarity and accountability in the digital sphere.
In an earlier chapter of TypeRight, we had explained the GDC and our work in furthering the GDC in India.
Following the consultations held as part of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the UN adopted a declaration that pledged the participation of all stakeholders in deliberations on digital cooperation. In response to the Declaration, Secretary-General Guterres’ report, Our Common Agenda, proposes a Summit of the Future with a technology track leading to a Global Digital Compact.
... building on the recommendations of the road map for digital cooperation (see A/74/821), the United Nations, Governments, the private sector and civil society could come together as a multi-stakeholder digital technology track in preparation for a Summit of the Future to agree on a Global Digital Compact. This would outline shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all. ... Complex digital issues that could be addressed may include: reaffirming the fundamental commitment to connecting the unconnected; avoiding fragmentation of the Internet; providing people with options as to how their data is used; application of human rights online; and promoting a trustworthy Internet by introducing accountability criteria for discrimination and misleading content. ... More broadly, the Compact could also promote regulation of artificial intelligence to ensure that this is aligned with shared global values.
In line with the GDC, earlier in January DEF organised an event in New Delhi, Talking the Walk: Youth, Women, and Unconnected from Rural India, hosted by United Nations in India & United Nations Office for UN SG’s Office of Digital and Emerging Technologies.
Participating stakeholders, including SoochnaPreneurs, CSOs, and Digital Experts, shared personal accounts of their work with grassroots organizations, with an emphasis on tackling digital divides and graded digital inequalities, as part of the event's interactive storytelling session in support of the GDC. By using this platform, the SoochnaPreneurs demonstrated their dedication to promoting equal access to and empowerment through technology by endorsing the Compact's principles.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Singh Gill, gave a perceptive keynote speech stressing the transforming power of technology in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. Referring to ideas like the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration of Future Generations, he underlined the need of developing trust and governance in the digital economy. In the digital realm, he advocated for meaningful access and connectivity, therefore guiding a change from passive consumers to active creators.
Mr. Gill emphasized how community mobilization and financial literacy programs—like those run by the World Bank—help to address digital gaps. Promoting strong data governance with an eye toward safety, privacy, responsibility, and fair data sharing, he cautioned against the dangers of "datafication," whereby people risk losing their essence to digital systems.
Dealing with artificial intelligence, he underlined how inclusive governance models help to reduce hazards and inequality. Resiterating the need to reach the UN SDGs by 2030, he supported international solidarity, multilateralism, and multistakeholder initiatives. Gill ended with a strong message: by means of a balanced interaction between Samaj (society), Sarkar (government), and Bazaar (market), technology must serve mankind rather than control it.
Now, here is the statement from DEF:
Digital Empowerment Foundation is honoured to be one of the 93 organizations that have endorsed the Global Digital Compact (GDC). This endorsement aligns with our commitment to promoting an inclusive, open, and secure digital future for all. Through this collaboration, DEF continues to contribute to global digital development initiatives and advocate for equitable access to digital resources.
What grassroots work?
In most chapters of typeright, we focus on several of ou grassroots initiatives that are run by our SoochnaPreneurs.
From Assam, Priyanka Paswan, a Soochna Preneur, detailed her attempts to correct documentation discrepancies in her tea garden community close to the Bhutan border. She uses DEF's training to digitize records and increase connectedness, therefore enabling her community even with restricted internet access.
Kalyani Tandon from Chhattisgarh shared her path of closing the distance between rural areas and government social programs. She helps access programs like pension plans and insurance as a housewife turned digital enabler, therefore guaranteeing that villagers no longer have to travel great distances for such benefits and ensuring that she provides vital services within a 10-12 kilometer radius.
With just 1,651 members left, Bharat Toto stood in for the threatened Toto community in West Bengal. By means of the digital service center, he addresses the absence of basic resources in the community and helps to archive and digitize his language and culture.
Assam's Hiramoni Das spoke on her efforts in advancing ecological techniques and traditional silk weaving. By means of DEF's training, she enables women to promote their goods online and via B2B channels, therefore fostering economic independence. To promote environmentally friendly living, she created plastic-free, bamboo-based paper.
Assam's Soochna Preneur, Hiramoni Das, and Samudra Bohra, a district coordinator, expanded on the KriSarthak project, which trained over 200,000 marginal farmers and agricultural producers across all 24 districts in financial literacy and financial counselling. Cooperation between the Assam government and the World Bank helped to support this initiative, that was implemented by DEF alongside other partners.
Assam Lali Devi, a District Coordinator from Rajasthan, described her experience against cybercrime and false news in her hometown. By means of DEF's initiatives addressing false information and disinformation, she guides women regarding digital safety and facilitates the resolution of multiple cases of financial frauds and cyber harassment.
There is also the 'Just Transition' in the coal-dependent areas of Jharkhand, and the part DEF's digital service centres play in creating sustainable livelihoods paths and stopping migration.
What finally came out?
In order to achieve greater accessibility and participation for all communities, especially marginalised and underserved populations, the research suggests creating AI tools that are inclusive and digital platforms that are language diverse. The significance of capacity building projects in reaching neglected areas, improving digital literacy, and empowering local populations is also highlighted. For digital transformation programs to be sustainable, it is essential to strengthen local leadership.
For the sake of innovation and inclusion, it is recommended that the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and governments form public-private partnerships. The protection of privacy, security, and openness necessitates data governance in order to facilitate horizontal data flows and strong accountability systems. Addressing global concerns and aligning efforts towards common goals emphasizes global collaboration. The paper also stresses the importance of using digital technologies for cultural preservation and economic development, as well as bridging the digital divide, prioritizing gender inclusion, and involving youth.
That's a wrap for now, from 'We the Peoples' Hall!
In Other News
First, some AI news from China -
and one from India:
DEF Updates
The Just Transition project in Jharkhand that was mentioned earlier in this chapter? Find out more details from the stories of Ramgarh and Bokaro, where our book with Swaniti launches this eleventh of Feb, in Ranchi!
A story we did not feature in the article this week, but is only one among several similar daily stories of our several thousand soochnapreneurs - SoochnaPreneurs in Salem District recently participated in a hands-on training session, learning essential digital skills to serve their communities better.
Kindly support to fight digital divide and connect marginalised people. Donate here https://www.defindia.org/donate-page/
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