China commits to promoting implementation of Global Digital Compact

The Summit of the Future at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York adopted a Pact for the Future on Sunday, with one of its annexes the Global Digital Compact (GDC), an inclusive global framework to overcome digital, data and innovation divides.

"China welcomes the adoption of the GDC at the UN," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Monday.

The GDC outlines several goals, principle and actions aimed at "advancing an open, free, secure and human-centered digital future for all," which is anchored in universal human rights and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It proposes five objectives: closing digital divides, expanding inclusivity in the digital economy, fostering an inclusive, open and safe digital space, advancing responsible and equitable digital governance, and enhancing international AI governance for the benefit of humanity.

"The compact follows the prevailing trend of promoting digital development and cooperation in the world, reflects the urgent call of all countries, especially Global South countries, for efforts to close the digital divide and wipe out governance deficits. Furthermore, it demonstrates the common aspiration of the international community to respond to digital opportunities and challenges, and build an inclusive, open, fair and secure digital space through joint effort and cooperation," said Lin.

He emphasized that the compact signifies international support for multilateralism, digital solidarity and cooperation, providing fresh impetus for global digital governance.

China has consistently committed to promoting global digital governance. In response to challenges in areas such as cybersecurity and AI governance, it has proposed initiatives including the Global Initiative on Data Security and the Global AI Governance Initiative.

The measures outlined in the GDC, which include adopting common standards for global data security and initiating a Global Dialogue on AI Governance and intergovernmental negotiations, are "consistent with" the actions needed to advance the two initiatives proposed by China, said Lin.

The country has also participated in the whole-process negotiation of the GDC, and played an important role in its adoption, noted Lin.

"In the next step, China will, as always, uphold the principle of planning together, building together and benefiting together. We'll collaborate with the international community to promote global digital governance, implement the GDC, and build a community with a shared future in the digital world," he said.