At the Summit of the Future, UN member states will adopt the Global Digital Compact, a comprehensive framework that will set the course for digital governance based on shared principles and global priorities. Here’s how we contribute to a bright digital future for all.

In an increasingly digital world, the divides in access, safety, and innovation are becoming more pronounced across countries and communities. At this summit, representatives from 193 UN member states will work together to shape a future where digital technologies are harnessed to drive sustainable development and bridge global divides. The Global Digital Compact aims to address critical issues such as connectivity, digital literacy, data governance, and trust. It also seeks to protect freedom of speech and promote a trustworthy internet by introducing accountability measures for discrimination and misleading content. The Compact is not just a framework; it's a vision for a digital future that is open, free, secure, and human-centered—a future that contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

“We can't build a future for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents.”
Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General

Keep an eye out on our social media channels and this page to learn more about the Global Digital Compact and our related projects.

Coming Up

Summit of the Future Action Days Side Event: Sept 21, 17:15-18:30 CET

"The Power of the Commons: Digital Public Goods for a More Secure, Inclusive, and Resilient World"

Ahead of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), world, industry, and civil society leaders will convene at the United Nations for the Summit of the Future. There, they will vote on the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, guiding documents that offer an important opportunity to shape our digital world. Two Action Days will precede the Summit of the Future, offering an opportunity for multi-stakeholder discussion on the future of global digital governance.

We invite you to join the livestream for "The Power of the Commons: Digital Public Goods for a More Secure, Inclusive, and Resilient World" — a side event during the Summit of the Future Action Days at the United Nations. Hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that operates Wikipedia, this event explores the transformative potential of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) such as Wikipedia and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPIs) in fostering sustainable development worldwide.
This event is co-sponsored by the UN Member State Delegations of Germany, Mexico, and Poland, and the UN Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology, as well as the organizations Access Now, Network of Centers, Wikimedia Deutschland, Wikimedia Czech Republic, Wikimedia Polska, Wikimedia Europe, and us here at the TUM Think Tank.

This event will delve into the critical role DPGs and DPIs play in:

• Enabling civil society and communities globally to have a voice in how technology is developed and governed;
• Bridging digital divides to ensure equitable access to information and resources; and,
• Advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by harnessing the power of open and inclusive digital systems.

Event discussions will explore:

• How online communities are impacted by different digital governance models;
• What is needed for DPGs and DPIs to succeed, focusing on community involvement, literacy, funding, and governance;
• Success stories from around the world in tackling pressing governance challenges;
• Paths toward a digitally inclusive future for all.

Find more information on the event here. We will circulate the link to the livestream as soon as it is available.

The Urban Digitainability Lab (UDL) combines digitalisation and sustainability in urban areas in order to ensure sustainable local services of general interest. To this end, the TUM Think Tank is creating an interdisciplinary space for experimentation and collaboration in which scientists and practitioners from politics, business and civil society can develop solutions for sustainable digital urban development. The UDL aims to strengthen the transformation capacity of municipal administrations through innovative networking, training and transfer formats.

We are currently looking for one student assistant for each of the following four areas of responsibility:

• Community Building
• Academy Program
• Science Transfer
• Accompanying Research

Find detailed role descriptions and further information on the application process (in German) through the button below.

Job Offers

Apply by July 8th, preferably via email at tumthinktank@hfp.tum.de, and join the vibrant TUM Think Tank community. We look forward to meeting you!

For any questions, please contact Felix Beer, Project Coordinator of the Urban Digitainability Lab, at felix.beer@hfp.tum.de

This project at the TUM Think Tank is supported by Stiftung Mercator under their "Digitalisierte Gesellschaft" section.