The High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation was established by the UN Secretary-General in July 2018 to advance proposals to strengthen cooperation in the digital realm, and contribute to the broader global dialogue on how interdisciplinary and cooperative approaches can help ensure a safe and inclusive digital future.
Digital cooperation refers to the ways and means through which individuals, organisations and countries work together to manage their social, economic, and legal relations in the digital realm. It emphasises functions and modalities ("how") and not just the form or outcome ("what") of processes whereby the relevant stakeholders in the digital space work to maximise the benefits of digital technologies while safeguarding against potential risks.
In response to a call for contributions, APC offered its perspectives on the following aspects of digital cooperation:
-
What values and principles should underpin cooperation in the digital realm.
-
How stakeholders can cooperate more effectively in the digital realm, including how marginalised stakeholders can be included.
-
How cooperation among stakeholders can be improved in areas such as inclusive development; inclusive participation in the digital economy; data; protection of human rights online; human voice and human agency in the digital age; digital trust and security; and building the capacity of individuals, institutions and governments for the digital transformation.
See also the open letter on the establishment of the UN Secretary General's High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation sent by APC and partners in September 2018 here.