General Assembly General Assembly

Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Informal Discussion with Member States

Monday, 30 January 2023

 

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor.

 

2. Let me begin by congratulating both the Co-Chairs, PR of Sweden and Rwanda for appointment as Co-Facilitators to lead this intergovernmental process of the Global Digital Compact. I would also like to thank SG’s Tech Envoy Mr Amandeep Singh Gill for his briefing. We align with the statement made by Cuba on behalf of G77 & China.

 

Excellencies,

 

3. The fast evolution of digital technologies in past two decades had greatly impacted the societies around the world.

 

4. Undoubtedly, they have unlocked unprecedented benefits, opportunities and solutions to the socioeconomic challenges being faced by the world, particularly to the developing countries. However, we are also facing serious challenges with respect to cyber security, stealing of data, and illegal and malicious use of data as well as cyber governance. Let me make following points on the substantive and process aspect of the Compact.

 

5. First, on the substantive aspect. The aim of the compact should be to create a global framework for cooperation in digital sphere so that benefits of digital technologies can be shared by all. The prime objective of the compact should be to minimize the digital divide between countries, and particularly between the north and the global south.

 

7. “Development” should be the central to this cooperation framework. Peripheral or political issues should not hijack the process.

 

8. It is important to take stock of the progress in digital and related technology spheres, which has already been made in different forums, so mapping out of this progress as suggested by colleagues from Singapore, Japan, and the United States would be useful. This will help us identify the gaps and put our energy to fill those gaps and build upon the achievements of the past.

9. Second on the process. It is important to ensure that the process is inter-governmental in nature, deliberative and inclusive. As per the preliminary road-map shared by the co-facilitators, most of the meetings are planned in New York.

 

10. The discussions, particularly the deep-dive sessions would require participation of experts from capitals as well as from other places such as Mission in Geneva. Allowing only in-person participation will hamper inclusive participation, particularly from the countries of global south. It is therefore important that the co-facilitators consider allowing virtual participation of experts in the discussions.

 

11. These are just the initial thoughts, and we will be sharing formally our inputs to the Co-facilitators.

 

12. Co-Chairs, India has been benefitted from the digital technology and its transformative impact on lives of millions of people. For this reason, ‘Technological Transformation & Digital Public Infrastructure’ is one of the priorities of India’s G-20 Presidency. India will be sharing its governance experiences, particularly human-centric approach to technology, digital public infrastructure, financial inclusion, and tech-enabled development in sectors ranging from agriculture to education.

 

13. You have our support for this process and would be sharing our experiences as we move along in the process. I thank you.