In response to the UN Global Digital Compact call, five civil society organizations – Data Privacy Brazil Research Association (Brazil), Aapti Institute (India), Internet Bolivia (Bolivia), KICTANet (Kenya), and Paradigm Initiative (a Pan-African organization) – created an alliance to collaborate in a contribution with the perspective of the Global South.

This UN initiative, coordinated by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in conjunction with the UN Tech Envoy, Amandeep Singh Gill, is part of the preparation agenda for the Summit of the Future, to be held in 2024 when the key text of the Global Digital Compact will be voted on by member states. In the first semester of 2023, open consultations with Civil Society and Academia, as well as informal listening to member states and other stakeholders are being conducted.

Among the actions proposed by the Alliance, is the role of the State in providing a multistakeholder co-regulatory environment based on principles of transparency, oversight of technological activities that use data as a public good, and obligations for the private sector in the handling and treatment of such data are highlighted.

The active participation of actors from the Global South is essential to achieve a truly global commitment. The active participation of civil society organizations from the Global South in the elaboration of the UN Global Digital Compact demonstrates the commitment of these organizations to promote digital rights for all, especially for those who are disadvantaged or marginalized in the Global South regions. These contributions help ensure that digital policies and regulations are comprehensive, fair, and sensitive to local needs and realities.

It is believed that the UN Global Digital Compact will have a significant impact on digital policies and regulations worldwide. And the active participation of civil society organizations from the Global South is crucial to ensure that the voices of these regions are heard and considered in global decision-making on the digital future.

The contribution of the Alliance is below: