At the United Nations Summit of the Future in New York, a significant milestone was achieved with the adoption of the Pact for the Future, featuring the groundbreaking Global Digital Compact (GDC). This inclusive framework aims to bridge digital, data, and innovation divides, setting the stage for a more equitable digital landscape worldwide.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed strong support for the GDC, stating, \"China welcomes the adoption of the GDC at the UN.\" He highlighted that the compact is designed to \"advance an open, free, secure and human-centered digital future for all,\" anchored in universal human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The GDC outlines five key objectives:
- Closing digital divides to ensure equal access for all
- Expanding inclusivity within the digital economy
- Fostering an open and safe digital space
- Advancing responsible and equitable digital governance
- Enhancing international AI governance for the benefit of humanity
Lin emphasized that the compact responds to the urgent call from all countries, especially those in the Global South, to close the digital divide and address governance deficits. He remarked, \"It demonstrates the common aspiration of the international community to respond to digital opportunities and challenges, and build an inclusive, open, fair and secure digital space through joint effort and cooperation.\"
China's commitment to global digital governance is further underscored by its initiatives such as the Global Initiative on Data Security and the Global AI Governance Initiative. Lin pointed out that the actions outlined in the GDC align with China's efforts, including adopting common standards for global data security and initiating dialogues on AI governance.
Having played a pivotal role in the negotiation and adoption of the GDC, China is poised to continue its collaborative approach. \"In the next step, China will, as always, uphold the principle of planning together, building together and benefiting together. We'll collaborate with the international community to promote global digital governance, implement the GDC, and build a community with a shared future in the digital world,\" Lin concluded.
Reference(s):
China commits to promoting implementation of Global Digital Compact
cgtn.com
