Data first in the AI era
UNCTAD
Session 498
The case for data governance
Data have become a cornerstone of development and the lifeblood of the digital economy. They fuel algorithms and artificial intelligence, drives international trade in services, informs logistics, and shapes markets, communication, and politics. The ways in which data is generated, accessed, and governed are not only ethical and developmental concerns—they have also become geopolitical issues. Countries with the capacity to collect and control data are better positioned to develop effective AI technologies. Striking a balance between promoting data use and protecting data rights is now an urgent challenge at all levels, from local communities to the global stage. The Global Digital Compact (GDC) offers a shared framework for advancing responsible, equitable, and interoperable data governance. It addresses key areas such as data privacy and security, data exchange and standards, the use of data for sustainable development, cross-border data flows, and the creation of interoperable governance systems. This event will explore the development of data governance principles that support the implementation of the GDC’s objectives. A panel of experts from national and international organizations, civil society, and the private sector will share diverse perspectives on how these principles can be developed and applied.
Chair: Rafael Diez de Medina, Chief Statistician and Director, Department of Statistics, ILO
Speakers:
- Mr. Steve Macfeely, OECD Chief Statistician and Director of Statistics: UN data principles and the Fundamental Principles for Official Statistics
- Ms. Francesca Bosco, Chief Strategy Officer, CyberPeace Institute
- Ms. Claire Melamed, CEO, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data: Accountability in data governance and debates at the UN Open Working Group on Data Governance
- Ms. Friederike Schuur, Chief of Data Strategy and Governance, UNICEF: Developing data governance in a UN entity,
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C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
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C6. Enabling environment
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C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
This session on data governance and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) closely aligns with several WSIS Action Lines. It highlights the role of public governance authorities (C1) through the involvement of national and international organizations in shaping data policy. The emphasis on data exchange, standards, and interoperability supports equitable access to information (C3), while discussions on privacy and security reinforce the need for trust in digital systems (C5). The development of policy frameworks and governance systems contributes to an enabling environment (C6), and the ethical considerations surrounding data rights and AI reflect the ethical dimensions of the Information Society (C10).
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Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
By addressing equitable data governance, the session supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through efforts to ensure that data access, use, and benefits are shared fairly across countries, communities, and people. The session also exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by bringing together stakeholders from international organizations, civil society, and governments to collaborate on shared data governance principles. The session also links to all SDGs by promoting responsible and inclusive data ecosystems, as data is essential for monitoring progress, informing policy, and enabling effective action.