Vietnam contributes to Global Digital Compact formulation

Most delegates underlined the need to have a GDC which sets out basic principles and goals to promote cooperation and global digital governance in order to ensure fairness and interests of all countries. Particularly, representatives of developing countries emphasized that GDC needs to take advantage of the digital revolution and digital transformation to help bridge the digital divide, transfer technology, build digital infrastructure, strengthen capacity and connect the globe, so as to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).

Addressing the meeting, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN, noted as the digital era, besides its benefits, also poses challenges, it is imperative to promote a safer, fairer and more developed digital world for all.

It is necessary to ensure the goal of universal connectivity by 2030 that everyone will have access to the Internet, digital technology and services at an affordable cost, but at the same time it is necessary to ensure the safety and security of accessibility, the system and digital infrastructure, he said.

The Vietnamese diplomat called for the engagement of the private sector in GDC negotiations to make the process more comprehensive with specific and effective contributions. He also suggested that the GDC ensure the basic principles of the UN Charter and international law, according to which all countries and relevant parties must fully comply with national sovereignty in cyberspace, as well as principles regarding territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Vietnam, with its extensive experience and achievements in digital transformation and e-government development towards a digital economy and society, is committed to actively participating in and contributing to this process in order to promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, he said.

The GDC is one of 16 processes being discussed at the UN to realise the UN Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda (OCA) initiative to set out principles for ‘an open, free and secure digital future for all’. The formulation of the GDC will take place from February 2023 until it is approved at the 2024 Summit of the Future.