‘Bridges across digital divides’ are needed to boost growth, Guterres told the G20 |
“This calls for more connection; and less today Fragmentation. Few bridges across the digital divide; and few barriers. A great delay for ordinary people; less abuse and information”, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized during a session dedicated to the theme of Digital Transformation.
Nuclear threat
From curtailing free speech to malicious interference across borders, and targeting women online, she explained that “without guidance and safeguards”, digital technology has “great potential for harm“.
To address this, he suggested that during the next UN Conference, in September 2024, governments should approve a Digital Compact for “an open, free, inclusive and secure digital future for all” – with input from technology companies, civil society. , university and others.
Designed to deliver
Firmly in human rights as “the only means of integration for a technology that affects every aspect of our lives”, the UN leader explained on the three areas outlined in the Digital Inclusion.
First, he explained that global connectivity means reaching out three billion people who do not have access to the internetmost of them live in the Global South.
“We must close the digital divide by promoting digital literacy and giving access to the digital world to women and girls, migrants, rural and indigenous peoples. “
‘There is no free pass’
Secondly, Mr. Guterres reminded that a human-centered digital space begins with the protection of free speech, freedom of expression and the right to online freedom and privacy.
“But free speech is not just free pass“, he argued, saying that the Digital Compact must take into account the responsibility of Governments, technology companies and social media platforms to”preventing online bullying and deadly information that undermines democracy, human rights and science”.
The top UN official also called for a global code of conduct that promotes the integrity of public information to enable people to “make choices based on reality, not fiction”.
Achieving Global Goals
Finally, he noted that data has “huge and unexplored potential” to boost sustainable development.
However, while we have half the data needed to understand progress and measure impact regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), people personal data is used without their knowledge and consent“Sometimes for political control, sometimes for commercial gain”, Mr. Guterres maintained.
He said the Digital Compact should focus on ways in which governments, working with technology companies and others, can develop “safe and responsible data use”.
“The support of the G20 countries can help ensure that the digital age is safe, inclusive, and transformative”, Mr. Guterres added.
