Global digital governance: Geneva’s perspectives and role. An expert-guided dialogue among diplomats

The global digital governance space is now more vibrant than ever. At the UN level, various

agencies and organisations are exploring the policy implications of digital technologies in areas

such as human rights, future of work, and sustainable development. Dedicated groups are

discussing norms for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and are working on a convention

on cybercrime. UN member states are expected to agree on a Global Digital Compact (GDC) in

2024 and start work towards the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society

(WSIS) in 2025. And a high-level advisory group set up by the Secretary-General is developing

recommendations for the international governance of AI.

Geneva plays an important role within this dynamic governance landscape. Over the centuries, the

city has been a meeting place between technology and humanity, and it is now home to more than

50% of the international processes where issues related to the policy implications of digital

technologies are debated and negotiated.

Against this backdrop, the ‘Global digital governance: Geneva’s perspectives and role’ dialogue

aims to provide a space for Geneva-based diplomats to reflect critically on (a) how global

governance and cooperation mechanisms can provide concrete, effective and human-centric

solutions to key digital challenges, and (b) the role – existing and potential – of International

Geneva in advancing such solutions.

To achieve this goal, the dialogue will be structured as a series of focused, interactive debates –

both in ‘plenary’ and in small groups – guided by Diplo experts. These sessions have been

designed to encourage maximum participation from diplomats with various levels of experience,

from large and smaller Missions alike.

The expert-guided dialogue is dedicated to Geneva-based diplomats with various levels of

experience in digital governance.

In keeping with the goal of ensuring an equitable representation and supporting smaller missions,

half of the available seats will be allocated to delegates of least developed countries, landlocked

developing countries, and small island developing states (as defined by the UN OHRLLS). Seats will

be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis up to a maximum of 40 delegates.

Due to limited availability of seats, participation may be restricted to one representative per

mission/delegation

The dialogue is organised by Diplo with the support of the UK Mission to the UN, WTO and other International Organisations in Geneva.