Blog of Tania Gomez Herazo, SI Belgium.

Recently, Tania Gomez, from Soroptimist International Belgium, attended the 2024 to 2025 Inter-sessional Panel of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UN-CSTD). In her below report, Tania summarises the key discussion during the opening session, held on 21 October 2024, and the outcomes of the CSTD meeting – namely, the focus on on the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and its implications for data governance. The opening session highlighted the crucial role of the CSTD in shaping the future of digital cooperation and technology for sustainable development.

Global Ditial Compact and the CSTD Mandate

The CSTD meeting emphasised the significance of the GDC, adopted in September 2024, as a landmark agreement for international digital cooperation. Specifically tasked by the UN General Assembly to establish a multi-stakeholder working group on data governance, the CSTD has been reflecting on the Compact’s focus of fostering an inclusive, open, and trustworthy digital environment. This working group will play a vital role in shaping global data governance norms and policies, with a progress report due to the UN General Assembly by 2026.

Priority Themes for Digital Cooperation

The meeting address two priority  themes:

>>> 1) Economic Diversification through Digitalisation

Recognising the transformative potential of digital technologies, the CSTD explored how countries can leverage these tools to diversify their economies and reduce reliance on limited sectors. This involves fostering innovation, promoting digital literacy, and creating an enabling environment for digital entrepreneurship

>>> 2) Technology Foresight for Sustainable Development

The CSTD emphasised the importance of proactive technology assessment and foresight to anticipate and manage the impacts of emerging technologies. This includes identifying potential risks and opportunities, ensuring ethical development and deployment, and aligning technological advancements with sustainable development goals.

Regional Perspectives and Key Insights

The meeting benefited from diverse regional perspectives gathered through consultations conducted by the CSTD Secretariat. These consultations highlighted common challenges and priorities:

• • Universal Digital Connectivity: Access to affordable and reliable internet connectivity was identified as a fundamental requirement for digital inclusion and participation.
  • Reliable ICT Infrastructure: Building and maintaining robust ICT infrastructure is essential for supporting digital transformation and enabling equitable access to digital technologies.
  • Support for Vulnerable Groups: Addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and those in remote areas, is crucial for ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Business 20 (B20) Review and Multi-stakeholder Engagement

The CSTD is actively engaged in the B20 review process – a strategic platform for the business community aiming to incorporate business perspectives into the broader discussions on digital cooperation. The meeting stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement, including the private sector, civil society, and academia, in shaping a comprehensive and inclusive digital future.

International Cooperation and AI Governance

The meeting also underscored the need for strong international cooperation in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. This includes:

• • AI Governance: The CSTD welcomed the first universal agreement on international AI governance, emphasising the importance of capacity development and innovative financing mechanisms to bridge the AI divide and ensure responsible AI development and use.
  • Synergies and Complementarity: The CSTD highlighted the need for coordinated efforts and avoiding duplication across various digital cooperation initiatives to maximise impact and efficiency.

Key Action Items for the CSTD

The opening session concluded with several action items for the CSTD:

• • WSIS+20 Review: Provide inputs on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) +20 review to the CSTD Secretariat by November.
  • UN Secretary-General’s Report: Submit inputs to the annual report of the UN Secretary-General on WSIS by the end of the month.
  • Global Digital Compact Implementation: Explore further contributions to the implementation of the GDC, building on its role in the WSIS review.

This opening session provided a valuable platform for discussing the Global Digital Compact and its implications for data governance. The meeting highlighted the importance of international cooperation, multi-stakeholder engagement, and proactive technology foresight in shaping an inclusive and sustainable digital future. The CSTD’s ongoing work, including the establishment of the working group on data governance, will be crucial in translating the aspirations of the GDC into concrete actions.