UK mission in Geneva
On November 26, 2024, I had the privilege of speaking at the “Implementing Human Rights Objectives through the Global Digital Compact: A Multistakeholder Approach” workshop in Geneva. This gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including member states, private sector leaders, civil society, and UN entities, to discuss the practical implementation of human rights commitments within the Global Digital Compact (GDC).
The Global Digital Compact: A Vision for Human Rights in the Digital Era
Adopted at the Summit of the Future, the GDC provides a roadmap for inclusive and equitable global digital cooperation. It emphasizes fostering a digital space that respects, protects, and promotes human rights while addressing risks, particularly for vulnerable communities. At the heart of this effort lies the integration of human rights into the governance and standardization of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
ITU’s Role in Supporting Human Rights through Technology Standards
In my session, “Looking Ahead: Leveraging the GDC to Advance Human Rights,” I highlighted the work of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and its alignment with the GDC’s human rights objectives:
- Human Rights in Standardization: ITU imprioved its work on embedding human rights principles into technical standards. Our initiatives cover:
- AI watermarking for combating misinformation (right to information).
- Standards for e-health (right to health and accessibility).
- Standards for smart sustainable cities (rights to education, health, clean environnement…)
- E-waste standards (right to a clean environment).
- Collaboration with Human Rights Organizations: ITU works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to align technical standardization with human rights frameworks. Key milestones include:
- Resolution 47/23 by the Human Rights Council, highlighting the role of standards in safeguarding rights.
- OHCHR participation in ITU’s 2024 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24), marking a critical step toward integrating human rights into global ICT governance.
- Inclusive Participation: ITU’s efforts to bridge the standardization gap between the Global North and South ensure diverse voices are heard. Initiatives like capacity-building programs, the Network of Women, and enhanced virtual participation reflect ITU’s commitment to equity.
Multistakeholder Engagement: A Key to Success
The workshop underscored the importance of multistakeholder collaboration. By bringing together governments, civil society, academia, and industry, the GDC aims to ensure that human rights are mainstreamed from the earliest stages of digital governance. This approach is particularly vital in translating abstract rights into actionable technical standards—a challenge ITU has embraced through its study groups and collaborative platforms.
Looking Ahead: Shared Goals for Human Rights and Technology
As the GDC moves into the implementation phase, several priorities have emerged:
- Mainstreaming Human Rights into Standards: From privacy to non-discrimination, human rights principles must guide the development of digital technologies.
- Building Capacity: Expanding training programs for ITU members and technical staff ensures robust participation in rights-based standardization.
- Risk Analysis and Due Diligence: Continuous assessment of emerging technologies’ impacts is essential to mitigate risks and promote fairness.
- Strengthening Collaboration: Partnerships with OHCHR and other human rights organizations will be crucial for sustained progress.
Conclusion
The workshop reaffirmed the critical role of technology in advancing human rights while highlighting the challenges of governance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. ITU remains committed to its mission of connecting the world responsibly, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation.
As we look to the future, the GDC offers a unique opportunity to align technological innovation with universal values, creating a digital space that empowers individuals and communities alike.