Digital Governance refers to the implementation and enforcement by governments, organizations and civil society bodies of agreed principles, norms, rules, decision-making processes and activities that influence and shape the Internet – including cybersecurity and inclusion measures.
Public participation in this policy area builds trust and contributes to more responsive, effective governance – from improving university ecosystems to working on national AI strategies.
UNESCO’s approach to digital governance
Digital governance refers to the development and application by governments, businesses and civil society of shared principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures that shape digital environments – from its development and use through to secure, inclusive, sustainable future for people-centricity. It’s an essential aspect of an inclusive future digitally.
Digital platforms may have increased access to knowledge and culture as well as global connections; however, they also contribute to disinformation, ideological polarization and incitements of violence and hate speech. Furthermore, advances in technologies often outpace legal safeguards or government oversight putting democracy at risk and pushing those on the wrong side of digital divide deeper into poverty.
UNESCO works towards an inclusive approach to digital governance, advocating policies which guarantee the highest possible standards and ease people into digital environments. Through protecting privacy, framing AI and combatting cybercrime it aims to provide all people with safe digital spaces – as well as encouraging cooperation between countries in this regard and providing international capacity building opportunities.
UNESCO’s work on Internet governance
UNESCO’s work on Internet Governance involves the collaborative creation and application by governments, private sector firms and civil society actors of shared principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures that determine its evolution and usage. This involves encouraging a people-centred approach to digital environments through policies, partnerships and multistakeholder dialogue that seek to advance democratic values and human rights online; encouraging as much worldwide convergence on platform governance policies to prevent digital fragmentation as much as possible.
UNESCO, as a specialised agency of the United Nations, was founded in 1945 with a mandate to contribute to global peace and security through collaboration among nations through education, science and culture, while furthering universal respect for justice, rule of law and fundamental freedoms as affirmed by all peoples around the globe. Through digital governance initiatives it focuses on mitigating harm caused by fast-evolved technologies which outstrip legal protections or government oversight leaving users exposed to cyber attacks, data breaches or unregulated platforms.
UNESCO’s work on digital rights
UNESCO’s work in digital rights involves closing the global digital divide to promote access to improved information and education, more efficient public services and civic participation, freedom of expression and reduced discrimination online through tools like e-government or social media.
UNESCO’s guidelines on governance of digital platforms provide a roadmap for tackling the growing threats posed by disinformation, misinformation and hate speech on digital platforms. They support an Internet where individuals’ rights to freedom of expression, access to information and diverse cultural content are respected; encourage multistakeholder dialogue to ensure global Internet governance reflects evidence-based human rights rather than narrow interests; as well as reporting mechanisms that accommodate local cultural sensitivity in how complaints are processed.
UNESCO’s work on digital inclusion
UNESCO’s work in digital governance involves creating tools to assist global citizens live free from hatred and intolerance, while simultaneously promoting science education and cultural heritage as platforms for international cooperation. Furthermore, its efforts focus on cultivating universal respect for justice as well as fundamental freedoms affirmed by world peoples.
Their efforts on the digital divide aim to eliminate inequalities by providing all people with equal access and the capability of taking full advantage of emerging technologies. Furthermore, it aims to protect users from cyberattacks while upholding privacy through best practices and standards.
UNESCO has long supported research in comparative education and formed partnerships to strengthen national educational leadership and capacity. They publish magazines such as World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development as well as Free Software Directory; additionally they have an impressive social media presence; their Facebook page boasts over 2 Million likes!