BNNRC Endorses Global Digital Compact for a Secure and Inclusive Digital Future

The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has endorsed the United Nations Global Digital Compact (GDC) process to foster a secure and inclusive digital future. Through this endorsement, the organization aims to bridge the existing digital divide within Bangladesh and accelerate progress toward achieving sustainable development goals.

In alignment with GDC, BNNRC will work towards expanding digital inclusion and benefits for all, establishing an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital ecosystem that respects, protects, and promotes human rights, and implementing responsible, equitable, and interoperable data governance mechanisms. Additionally, it will collaborate to ensure the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) for the benefit of humanity.

This information was shared by BNNRC on Saturday.

The Global Digital Compact represents an intergovernmental and UN-led global governance framework for regulating digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Two decades after the World Summit on the Information Society, this initiative seeks to harness the potential of digital technologies and bridge the global digital divide through strengthened international digital cooperation.

Formulated through consultations over the past four years and negotiated by 193 UN member states, the Global Digital Compact (GDC) urges governments to take strong commitments to uphold international law and human rights in online spaces while ensuring a digital environment that remains open, safe, and secure.

The Digital Compact acknowledges the critical contributions of private sector entities, technology professionals, researchers, academics, media, and civil society. It calls upon all stakeholders to work collaboratively in shaping a secure and inclusive digital future.

Since 2020, BNNRC has been serving as the National Secretariat for the Global Digital Compact process in Bangladesh, actively engaging stakeholders. The organization has strategically focused on digital development, misinformation and disinformation, and online spaces. Since 2015, BNNRC has been tirelessly working toward digital development, digital transformation, and digital localization.

BNNRC’s efforts revolve around advancing media development by addressing the rapidly evolving media landscape, its challenges, and opportunities. The organization plays a knowledge-driven role in media development at regional, national, and international levels.

BNNRC holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and has been a key participant in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). It is also a recipient and champion of the WSIS Awards in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023.