The Common Agenda introduces a Global Digital Compact (GDC), set to be established at the Summit of the Future in September 2024, with the aim of enhancing international cooperation. The GDC is expected to outline collective principles, objectives, and measures to realize "an open, free, secure, and human-centered digital future." This initiative aims to accelerate the achievement of the UN Vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster a new social and political framework beneficial to all and conducive to planetary sustainability.

In pursuit of this objective, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in collaboration with the Government of South Africa and supported by OSET, the UN Regional Coordinator Office in South Africa, and UNDP, organized a Regional Review Workshop held in Cape Town from July 4th to 5th, 2023. The workshop aimed to integrate Africa's perspectives into the GDC and generate Africa’s Contribution towards the Global Digital Compact (GDC) Policy Declaration.

Continuing this effort, on May 7th, UNECA and Research ICT Africa (RIA) will host a virtual open consultation for African stakeholders to discuss the GDC zero draft. The session aims to address key questions: Does the zero draft adequately address the continent's needs and priorities? How will it be implemented in African contexts? And how does this initial draft align with Africa’s call to action, as outlined in UNECA’s Africa’s Contribution towards the Global Digital Compact (GDC) Policy Declaration?

Register via Zoom Link

The Policy Declaration on Africa's contribution to the GDC can be accessed here. 

For further inquires, you may reach out to Sorene Assefa Email: sorene@un.org