Speech by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio at the UN Summit of the Future session “Towards a Common Digital Future – Strengthening Inclusive Innovation and Cooperation to Bridge the Digital Divides” in New York on 23 September 2024

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

I would like to start by thanking Secretary-General for his leadership and efforts to make the UN system fit for the future. This Summit is a culmination point in this regard.

Last year, at the SDG Summit, we agreed to accelerate the implementation of our shared global goals. We now have the opportunity to look even further ahead, to agree on the future we want.

Technology has emerged as one of the key questions for global development. The digital transformation presents us with a wealth of opportunities that we need to grasp. At the same time, it presents us new risks that we need to act on. The United Nations will have a key role in making sure we have the tools to manage this process in the years ahead.

With growing threats to peace and security, we need to make sure technology is a force for good, and not used to amplify conflicts and create further instability. This task is in the very core of the UN charter and mission.

The Global Digital Compact comes at a critical time. It is almost 20 years since the world last came to an agreement on a framework for harnessing technology for development. This took place at the World Summit on Information Society in Geneva and Tunis.

Since then, the digital landscape has changed dramatically. The Global Digital Compact is a landmark agreement to update our shared principles and goals for advancing global digital development, outlining what we need to focus on now and in the future.

Finland’s government considers technology to be an integral part of our foreign and security policy. We have a strong focus on digital development in our development policy, including increased attention to private sector solutions and investments. We are committed to working internationally for digital development that is fair, inclusive and sustainable, with respect for human rights and equality.

We are pleased that our priorities: improving digital connectivity, governing emerging technologies, addressing the gender digital divide, investing in education and digital skills and strengthening human rights are included in the compact.

Globally, we are far from reaching the target of universal connectivity as set out by the Agenda 2030. The Global Digital Compact calls for more cooperation to close the persistent digital divides, especially in remote and underserved areas. In this regard, I want to highlight the need to mobilize more private investments and capital to meet these needs. Without adequate infrastructure in place, the potential of digitalization remains locked in.

The Global Digital Compact should not be a political declaration only. We need to take concrete steps to implement it. This is not a task for the UN member states alone. We need broad cooperation, equal participation of companies, civil society and technical communities in making the GDC a reality.

Finland stands ready to contribute to this process.