“Digital technology is shaping history. But there is also the sense that it is running away with us. Where will it take us? Will our dignity and rights be enhanced or diminished? Will our societies become more equal or less equal? Will we become more, or less, secure and safe? The answers to these questions depend on our ability to work together across disciplines and actors, across nations and political divides. We have a collective responsibility to give direction to these technologies so that we maximize benefits and curtail unintended consequences and malicious use.”
UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL
ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
INTRODUCTION
The world is shifting from analog to digital faster than ever before, further exposing us to the vast promise and peril of new technologies. While the digital era has brought society many incredible benefits, we also face many challenges such as growing digital divides, cyber threats, and human rights violations online.
This report lays out a roadmap in which all stakeholders play a role in advancing a safer, more equitable digital world, one which will lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
8 KEY AREAS FOR ACTION
Based on recommendations from the Secretary-General’s High-level Panel for Digital Cooperation convened from 2018-2019, and further informed by a series of roundtable discussions with key stakeholders from Governments, the private sector, civil society, international organizations, academic institutions, the technical community, and other relevant stakeholders, the following set of actions are envisaged:
One:
ACHIEVING UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY BY 2030
Two:
PROMOTING DIGITAL PUBLIC GOODS TO CREATE A MORE EQUITABLE WORLD
Three:
ENSURING DIGITAL INCLUSION FOR ALL, INCLUDING THE MOST VULNERABLE
Four:
STRENGTHENING DIGITAL CAPACITY-BUILDING
Five:
ENSURING THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE DIGITAL ERA
Six:
SUPPORTING GLOBAL COOPERATION ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Seven:
PROMOTING TRUST AND SECURITY IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT
Eight:
BUILDING A MORE EFFECTIVE ARCHITECTURE FOR DIGITAL COOPERATION