Distinguished Co-facilitators,
My delegation joins others in thanking you for convening this informal meeting and sharing the possible elements of GDC. They provide valuable guidance as we prepare for GDC negotiations.
We align ourselves with the statement made by Uganda on behalf of G-77 and China. In addition, my delegation would like to make the following points:
First, in the preamble, we would like to see a recognition of the pervasive digital divide in all its forms, both across and within countries, with a disproportionate impact on developing countries, especially the LDCs. We also feel that there should be an acknowledgment of the critical need for capacity building in developing countries, particularly LDCs. Furthermore, we highlight the critical importance of affordable and accessible connectivity in developing countries, as a fundamental prerequisite for equitable participation in the digital economy and society.
Second, in the principles section, we would like to see digital sovereignty as a principle, recognizing the right of countries to govern and regulate their digital environments in alignment with their cultural values, social norms, and national priorities, while promoting international cooperation to address shared digital challenges. The compact must ensure that multilingualism is included as a key principle of the compact.
We would also like to see the proper reflection of the importance of ethical considerations in the development and deployment of digital technologies, including the need for responsible innovation and transparency in algorithmic decision-making.
Third, in the Commitment and Action Sections, we feel that Internet governance has been missed out in this section. We would therefore propose to include “internet governance” as it is critically important for the compact.
Under closing digital divides and accelerating progress towards SDGS, we would like to see a reflection of the gender perspective to ensure equal access and opportunities for women and girls in the digital space.
Under fostering an inclusive, open, safe, secure digital space, we propose to include meaningful digital inclusion for persons with disabilities. In this regard, we underline the importance of investing in assistive technologies to enable access and participation for persons with disabilities.
On data governance, we underline the significant value of personal data and we advocate for a mechanism for fair compensation for individuals contributing data and thus in the creation of digital wealth.
On Governing Emerging Technologies, we highlight the importance of the integration of ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI and other emerging technologies emphasizing safety, security, trustworthiness, and explainability to address potential biases, discrimination, and unintended consequences in the digital realm.
Finally, on the follow-up and review, we support the idea of the Secretary-General, as outlined in his policy brief, annual digital cooperation forum, under the UN auspices, to take stock of the implementation and review progress against commitments.
I thank you.