During his address at the ‘Summit of the Future’ on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the necessity of safe and responsible technology use, stating that Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) must function as a bridge rather than a barrier. This event took place during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
“For safe and responsible use of technology, balance regulation is needed. We want such global digital governance in which sovereignty and integrity remain intact,” PM Modi said. He further said, “Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) should be a bridge and not a barrier. For global good, India is ready to share its DPI. For India, One Earth, One Family, One Future is a commitment.”
The Quad nations also highlighted the vital role of DPI in establishing a secure, reliable, and interoperable digital ecosystem. They affirmed principles including inclusivity, interoperability, modularity and extensibility, scalability, security and privacy, collaboration, governance for public benefit, trust and transparency, grievance redress, sustainability, human rights, intellectual property protection, and sustainable development in relation to the development and deployment of DPI.
The Quad nations recognized the transformative potential of digital technologies in shaping societies worldwide, offering opportunities to expedite the realization of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its associated goals. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, DPI is described as an evolving concept comprising shared digital systems that are secure, reliable, and interoperable. These systems are built and utilized by both the public and private sectors to ensure equitable access and enhance public service delivery, governed by legal frameworks that promote fair competition and development.
To ensure the effective implementation of DPI while respecting human rights and upholding democratic principles, both safeguards for fundamental freedoms and robust cybersecurity measures are essential. Governments deploying DPI should work concertedly to address all digital divides.
Prime Minister Modi said on the rising threats in cyber, maritime, and space domains, stating it is crucial that “global action must match global ambition.” He reiterated that terrorism remains a serious threat to global peace and security.
“While on one hand, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other hand, cyber, maritime, and space are emerging as new areas of conflict. On all these issues, I will stress that global action must match global ambition,” he added.
During his visit to the United States, PM Modi participated in the Quad Summit on the first day. At the UN Summit of the Future, world leaders adopted a Pact for the Future, which included a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. The Pact addresses a wide array of themes, encompassing peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender issues, youth, future generations, and the transformation of global governance.
(ANI)