New York - The United Nations released the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework: A Guide to Building Safe and Inclusive DPI for Societies, a set of actionable guidelines for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) that serve the public interest. This launch coincides with the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, in which 193 member states and territories recognized the potential of DPI in promoting inclusive digital transformation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The Universal DPI Safeguards Framework was developed through a multistakeholder process under the stewardship of the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology (OSET) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Framework reflects the role of DPI and its safeguards in the GDC process to ensure DPI implementations mitigate risks at both the individual and societal level, advance the SDGs and foster trust and equity across all countries.

“The Universal DPI Safeguards Framework is the result of a collective effort to create guardrails for the interplay between people, planet and public infrastructure that is rapidly digitalising. The framework offers a practical tool to help countries and stakeholders design what that looks like in their context,” said Amandeep Singh Gill, the Secretary-General Envoy on Technology. 

The launch event showcased how countries such as Rwanda and the East African Community are adopting safe and inclusive processes across the DPI implementation life cycles, and are part of the global ecosystem of governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, technology organizations and multilaterals that contributed to the development of the actionable Universal DPI Safeguards during 2024. 

“Digital public infrastructure is transforming the delivery of services to people all the way to the last mile. As more countries design and implement these digital foundations, we must commit to the universal adoption of these critical safeguards to build safe and inclusive digital public infrastructure that benefits all,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. 

To support adoption across countries, the International Organizations Consultative Group (IOCG) with 12 representatives from multilateral banks and organizations committed to active collaboration, cooperation and coordination to support the adoption of the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework through capacity building, regularly monitor the impact of safe and inclusive DPI implementations on SDGs. 

The Universal DPI Safeguards Framework is an open public asset which is accessible here.

For media inquiries:

Moritz Fromageot, Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, dpi-safeguards@un.org

Dwayne Carruthers, UNDP’s Chief Digital Office, dwayne.carruthers@undp.org 

About the DPI Safeguards initiative

The DPI Safeguards initiative is a multi-stakeholder process bringing together diverse voices to develop a safeguards framework to guide digital public infrastructure design and implementation around the world. The process for the development of the Universal DPI Framework was launched in September, 2023 representing a commitment to including and protecting everyone everywhere, while accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

About the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology (OSET)

OSET is at the forefront of championing global digital cooperation, driving initiatives that foster collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation in the digital space.Tasked with addressing emerging digital challenges, coordinating multi-stakeholder digital initiatives, and advising the UN leadership on technological trends, the Office plays a pivotal role in harnessing technology’s potential for the Sustainable Development Goals. Emphasizing an open, inclusive approach, the Envoy ensures synergy across UN entities, and serves as a primary contact for digital cooperation within the broader UN system.

About the United Nations Development Programme

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.