Digital Cooperation
The IGF is a key platform for identifying viable ways to shape, sustain and strengthen global digital cooperation, by mobilising collective intelligence and the potential of multistakeholder collaboration and action to respond to the persistent and emerging challenges in the digital age.
In the Roadmap on Digital Cooperation launched in 2020, the UN Secretary General proposes reforms to promote the strengthening of the Internet Governance Forum, so that it could become "more responsive and relevant to current digital issues."
APC congratulates and welcomes Fabrizio Hochschild to his new role as United Nations Envoy on Technology. APC sees the Tech Envoy role as crucial to promoting improved coordination and synergy among different spaces and processes concerning internet governance and global digital cooperation.
This document sets out the aspirations of non-state actors engaged in the digital cooperation process concerning the guiding principles, profile, roles and responsibilities, and working methods of the United Nations Technology Envoy to be appointed by the Secretary-General.
APC’s view is that global digital cooperation should aim to improve and democratise the governance of the internet at all levels, not only to establish more equitable influence for and among sovereign states, acknowledging that multilateralism and multistakeholderism are mutually reinforcing.
The coalition of civil society groups undersigned are committed to supporting the implementation of the vision in which “all stakeholders play a role in advancing a safer, more equitable digital world, one which will lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”
APC is convinced that multilateralism and multistakeholderism are both necessary and can coexist, and both must be strengthened. We strongly support the IGF Plus model as the basis for establishing accountable, inclusive, participatory and effective global digital cooperation among all stakeholders.
We agree that multilateralism and multistakeholderism are both necessary and can coexist. Both must be strengthened, and particular focus is needed to bring far more diverse voices to the table to ensure that such processes are inclusive and reflect the needs of those facing digital exclusion.
On 10 June 2019, the UN High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation's report was made public and the Secretary-General and members of the Panel held a briefing at the UN General Assembly. APC had the opportunity to participate in the briefing and made the following statement.
The High-level Panel was established by the UN Secretary-General to advance proposals to strengthen cooperation in the digital realm, and contribute to the the broader global dialogue on how interdisciplinary and cooperative approaches can help ensure a safe and inclusive digital future.
Association for Progressive Communications (APC) 2020
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