IGF 2022 Open Forum #35 The Digital Public Goods Charter – Committing to the Future

This session is for government officials and public employees who design, implement, use, or benefit from digital public infrastructure (DPI). DPI is often referred to as the "digital stack" and includes foundational digital systems such as ID, data exchange, administration, and consent. Over the past decade, private and public actors have invested in DPI and ground implementations aimed at improving service delivery for citizens and fueling innovation economies. Countries with this vital infrastructure in place were better able to manage public health and support citizens when COVID-19 struck. However, digital and data efforts have also revealed challenges and exposed citizens to risks, including surveillance and violations of privacy. To accelerate benefits and mitigate harms, a coalition of bilateral funders and private foundations have committed to develop the Charter for Digital Public Goods, which is rallying support for making digital public goods - open systems and software committed to do no harm - a more viable option for digital public infrastructure. Panelists will outline the vision documented in the Charter for Digital Public Goods and the endorsement process. Participants will leave this discussion with a clear understanding of the Charter for Digital Public Goods and how early endorsers are investing in safe, inclusive, and trusted digital public infrastructure.