The outcome document from the summit, Pact for the Future (the Pact), focuses on:

• sustainable development and financing;
• international peace and security;
• science, technology, innovation, and digital co-operation;
• youth and future generations;
• transforming global governance;
• the Global Digital Compact; and
• the Declarations on Future Generations.

The Pact is a pledge to address immediate crises as well as lay the foundations for a sustainable, just and peaceful global order.

International peace and security

The opportunities that are associated with new and emerging technologies and the potential risks which may arise from their misuse was discussed. Among other solutions, it was established that there should be enhanced international co-operation to minimise the digital divide between countries and ensure that all countries are able to secure the benefits of technology. It was also set out that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by the military must be continually considered in relation to the existing and potential risks. Furthermore, it was requested that the UN Secretary-General must continue to update member states on developments to science and technology and the potential impact these could pose to international security. 

Science, technology and innovation and digital co-operation

Developments in technology, including AI, are rapidly changing the world and holds great potential for progress which positively affects both people and the planet. The Pact sets out that an open, fair and inclusive environment for scientific and technological developments must be promoted through global collaboration on innovation, the use of science in policymaking and the provision of assistance in education and support for developing countries. 

Youth and future generations

Developing countries require support in strengthening their science, technology and innovation capabilities to bridge the gap between developing and developed countries. This has the potential to eradicate poverty in developing countries. The Pact acknowledges the potential impact science, technology and innovation can have towards human rights for all people, including the improvement to gender equality and the lives of females. The Pact seeks to use science, technology and innovation in a way that complements and builds on indigenous, traditional and local knowledge.

The Global Digital Compact to the Pact promotes an inclusive, responsible and sustainable digital future.

Global Digital Compact

The Global Digital Compact (GDC) includes a framework that outlines objectives, principles and actions aimed at achieving digital equity and fostering a safe and secure space digitally. The main objectives of the GDC are to:

close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals;

• expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all;
• foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promotes human rights;
• advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches; and
• enhance international governance of AI for the benefit of humanity.

Some of the commitments and actions outlined to achieve the objectives are set out below.

• In closing digital divides, the GDC advocates for expanding broadband infrastructure, ensuring affordability, promoting digital literacy and addressing gender and social inequities in digital access.
• Digital inclusion encourages the use of digital technologies for social and economic empowerment to ensure that the benefits of digital advancements reach all, especially marginalised communities.
• In achieving the objective of fostering a safe and secure digital space, the GDC aims to promote human rights law throughout the life cycle of digital and emerging technologies to allow users to benefit from digital technologies and ensure people are protected from violations, abuse and forms of discrimination.
• In respect of AI governance, the GDC recognises the need to for a balanced, inclusive and risk-based approach to the governance of AI with full and equal representation of all countries, especially developing countries. It proposes the establishment of, among other commitments, a global dialogue on AI governance and encouraging the development of international partnerships on AI capacity building in order to develop education and training programmes. Furthermore, it seeks to leverage existing multi-stakeholder mechanisms to support AI capacity building to bridge AI divides.
• In respect of data governance, the GDC proposes the development of interoperable data policies that promote safe and effective data usage and sharing while respecting privacy and data protection laws.
• In applying these objectives and commitments to South Africa, several issues need to be examined given our specific socio-economic and digital landscape. These include:
• Disparities in urban and rural areas: South Africa has historically experienced challenges in facilitating internet access, especially in rural areas. In carrying out the goals of the GDC, there needs to be significant investment in infrastructure and development in rural areas.
• AI: South Africa lacks comprehensive regulation for AI and other emerging technologies. Implementing these objectives will require the creation of legal frameworks that support AI deployment within South Africa. Further, given our history of inequality, the impact of AI deployment must be considered to ensure that it does not perpetuate existing disparities.
• Data governance: South Africa has existing laws such as the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013, which sets out stringent requirements for data protection and privacy. Arguably, the commitments and objectives in the GDC promote European regulatory positions and South Africa’s legislation does not necessarily align with the principles therein.

While the commitments and objectives of the GDC are commendable, the document lacks practical actions on how it intends to operate. Additionally, considering South Africa’s unique socio-economic situation, there are several issues that require specific consideration before implementation.