News from the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation

As the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation recently concluded its second in-person meeting, we wanted to take this opportunity to look back on the process so far, and provide an update on next steps.Between September 2018 and January 2019, the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation embarked on a global consultation process to hear from governments, private sector, academia, technical communities, civil society, and inter-governmental organizations across the world.

Based on the level and depth of engagement, it is clear that the need to enhance cooperation to addressed shared challenges in the digital realm, and to ensure the benefits of the digital age are extended to all, is urgent and timely.

We met with over 2,000 individuals at over 60 events, and convened seven virtual discussion groups with international experts on topics such as inclusive development, data, human rights and human agency, and digital trust & security.

We received over 150 detailed written responses to the Call for Contributions, and over 300 responses to the online survey.

Several themes emerged from the consultations thus far, pointing to key enablers of cooperation. These include:

• Leadership and political will
• Incentive alignment
• Implementation of guiding values and principles
• Shared meanings
• Clear roles and responsibilities
• Coherence in action
• Inclusiveness
• Trust
• Capacity

Now, the Panel is drawing from these insights and ideas to draft its final report, which is likely to include recommendations in the following areas, among others: Inclusiveness, Digital Public Goods, Implementation of Values & Principles, Governance, Safety & Security, and Data.

We invite you to mark your calendars for our regular Virtual Town Hall meetings, which take place on the first Monday of each month, for updates and interactive discussion.To continue the conversation online, use the hashtag #DigitalCooperation and follow on Twitter at @UNSGDigiCoop.

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