Q3/2020 - Vereinte Nationen

UN-Sicherheitsrat (Aria-Format) zu Cyberangriffen auf medizinischen Einrichtungen, 26. August 2020 (virtuell)

Am 26. August 2020 veranstaltete der UN-Sicherheitsrat ein weiteres „Arria Formula Meeting“ zum Thema Cybersicherheit. Anberaumt hatte das Treffen Indonesien, im August 2020 Präsident des UN-Sicherheitsrates[1]. Thema der dreistündigen virtuellen Sitzung waren Cyberangriffe auf kritische Infrastrukturen, insbesondere auf medizinische Einrichtungen, vor dem Hintergrund von Covid-19. Das Treffen endete ohne konkrete Resultate. Es wurde zu einer Schaubühne wechselseitiger Vorwürfe zwischen den Cybergroßmächten.

Der stellvertretende UN-Generalsekretär für humanitäre Angelegenheiten, Ramesh Rajasingham, verwies in seiner Eröffnungsansprache auf zahlreiche Cyberattacken auf Krankenhäuser und Gesundheitsbehörden während der Pandemie. Er zitierte Beschlüsse der UN-Vollversammlung, die die Gültigkeit der  völkerrechtlichen Normen auch für den Cyberspace bekräftigen und unterstützte Initiativen, eine gesonderte Norm zum Schutz von medizinischen Einrichtungen vor Angriffen aus dem Cyberspace auszuarbeiten[2]. 

Der USA-Vertreter Rodney Hunter prangerte Angriffe auf medizinische Einrichtungen an und forderte Konsequenzen für Staaten, die sich verantwortungslos verhalten[3]. 

Der russische Vertreter Wassili Nebensja forderte, nicht nur Angriffe auf medizinische Einrichtungen zu verurteilen. Die UNO müsse gegen alle Cyberangriffe auf kritische Infrastrukturen vorgehen und Konzepte zurückweisen, die präventive Cyberangriffe legitimieren. Der Cyberspace dürfe nur zu friedlichen Zwecken genutzt werden. Cyberkrieg sollte nicht „reguliert“, sondern „verboten“ werden[4]. 

Der chinesische Vertreter Yao Shaojun verurteilte alle Attacken auf kritische Infrastrukturen und bedauerte, dass es immer wieder Staaten gäbe, die Cyberattacken gegen andere Länder legitimieren würden. Er bekräftigte das Recht eines jeden Staates, sich vor Angriffen, Bedrohungen und Sabotage aus dem Cyberspace zu schützen[5].

UN-Gipfeltreffen zum 75. Jahrestag der Vereinten Nationen, 21. September 2020 (virtuell)

Bei einem virtuellen UN-Gipfeltreffen aus Anlass des 75. Jahrestages der Vereinten Nationen wurde von den Staats- und Regierungschefs der 193 UN-Mitgliedsstaaten am 21. September 2020 eine Deklaration verabschiedet. In der Deklaration verpflichten sich die UN-Mitglieder u.a. zur „Verbesserung der digitalen Zusammenarbeit“. In Artikel 13 der UN-Deklaration heißt es, dass die Digitalisierung für die Menschheit nie gekannte Möglichkeiten eröffnet, aber auch enorme Missbrauchsmöglichkeiten geschaffen hat. Digitale Technologien können das Zusammenleben der Völker gefährden, Ungleichheit verschärfen und die Respektierung der Menschenrechte unterhöhlen. Das Thema „Vertrauen und Sicherheit im Cyberspace“ müsse Priorität in der Arbeit der UN erlangen und die UN-Mitglieder sollen dafür zu sorgen, dass die Digitalisierung zur Erreichung der nachhaltigen UN-Entwicklungsziele bis zum Jahr 2030 beiträgt. Die UN sei eine Diskussionsplattform für alle Stakeholder, um die digitale Zusammenarbeit zu entwickeln und Lösungen für die neuen Herausforderungen zu finden[6].

Generaldebatte zur 75. UN-Vollversammlung, September 2020 (virtuell)

Das Thema Cybersicherheit und digitale Kooperation spielte sowohl in dem virtuellen Gipfeltreffen zum 75. Jahrestag der Vereinten Nationen als auch in der Generaldebatte der 75. UN-Vollversammlung eine wichtige Rolle. UN-Generalsekretär Antonio Guterres warnte in seiner Eröffnungsansprache vor der „dunklen Seite des Cyberspace“ und machte auf die Gefahren eine „Cyberkonfrontation“ aufmerksam[7]. Beim virtuellen UN-Gipfeltreffen hatte sich Guterres für eine Stärkung des Multilateralismus eingesetzt[8]. US-Präsident Donald Trump und der chinesische Präsident Xi Jinping lieferten sich dort ein verbales Wortgefecht. Donald Trump machte China für die Covid-19-Krise verantwortlich. Xi Jinping argumentiert, dass die Covid-19-Krise die Welt zu mehr Multilateralismus zwingen würde[9]. China sei bereit, die Welt in eine „neue Ära“ das Multilateralismus zu führen. Der russische Präsident Wladimir Putin forderte eine intensivere globale Zusammenarbeit im Bereich von Cybersicherheit und die Beachtung der Normen des Völkerrechts bei der digitalen Zusammenarbeit[10]. 

Follow-up zur „Roadmap on Digital Cooperation“ des UN-Generalsekretärs, September 2020

Die am 11. Juni 2020 von UN-Generalsekretär António Guterres präsentierte „UN-Roadmap on Digital Cooperation“[11] hat eine umfassende Diskussion über die Fortentwicklung des globalen Internet-Governance-Ecosystems ausgelöst. Dabei geht es auch um den Ausbau des institutionellen Mechanismus. 

Im Zusammenhang mit den Feierlichkeiten zum 75. Jahrestag der Vereinten Nationen fand am 23. September 2020 ein hochrangiger Roundtable zum Thema “Digital Cooperation: Action Today for Future Generations” statt. Die dreistündige virtuelle Veranstaltung wurde vom stellvertretenden UN-Generalsekretär Fabrizio Hochschild moderiert. 26 Experten präsentierten Video-Messages bzw. waren in einer Zoom-Livekonferenz zusammengeschaltet. Darunter waren die amtierenden oder ehemaligen Präsidenten der Schweiz (Simonetta Sommaruga), Athiopiens (Sahle-Work Zewde) und Estlands (Toomas Hendrik Ilves), die Ministerpräsidenten von Norwegen (Erna Solberg) und von Neuseeland (Jacinda Ardern) und der Innenminister Japans, Ryōta Takeda, der darauf hinwies, dass Japan 2023 Gastgeber des IGF sein wird. Unter den nicht-staatlichen Stakeholdern war vor allem die Wirtschaft stark vertreten. Statements kamen u.a. von Microsoft (CEO Brad Smith), Facebook (Präsidentin Sheryl Sandberg), Google (Vizepräsidentin Ruth Porat) und AliBaba (ehemaliger CEO Jack Ma), Vodafone und Fujitsu. Die OECD war mit ihrem Generalsekretär Ángel Gurría vertreten, die ITU mit Generalsekretär Houlin Zhao. Irene Khan, die seit dem 1. August 2020 Berichterstatterin für Meinungsfreiheit im Amt des UN-Hohen Kommissars für Menschenrechte ist, sprach ebenso wie Vertreter von zivilgesellschaftlichen Organisationen, der Global Broadband Commission, der Global Commission on Stability in Cyberspace (Samir Saran) und der Vater des World Wide Web und Präsident der World Wide Web Foundation, Tim Berners-Lee. Auch die schwedische Königin Sylvia präsentierte ein Statement[12]. Die Vielfalt der Beiträge beleuchteten einzelne Aspekte der „Roadmap on Digital Cooperation“ und kreisten um zwei Kernbotschaften: Eine funktionierende digitale Infrastruktur ist eine Grundvoraussetzung zur Erreichung der nachhaltigen Entwicklungsziele der UN (SDGs) bis zum Jahr 2030 und der Cyberspace muss ein Raum werden, in dem sich Internetnutzer und Unternehmen frei und sicher bewegen können. Eine gemeinschaftliche Schlusserklärung wurde nicht veröffentlicht.

Am 3. September präsentierten die Regierungen Deutschlands und der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate ihr „Option Paper“ zu den Empfehlungen 5A/B des High-level Panels on Digital Cooperation (HLP)[13]. Das Option Paper enthält Empfehlungen zur Weiterentwicklung des institutionellen Mechanismus im Internet-Governance-Ecosystem. Das Option Paper spricht sich für die Empfehlung des HLP, das bestehende IGF zu stärken (IGF+), aus, regt aber an, Elemente der beiden anderen Vorschläge des HLP in ein reformiertes IGF aufzunehmen.

Eine Kernbotschaft des Option Papers ist, eine engere Verbindung zwischen dem „Discussion Layer“ (das IGF) und dem „Decision Layer“ (zwischenstaatliche Verhandlungen) im Internet Governance Ecosystem herzustellen, um nachhaltigere Ergebnisse bei der digitalen Zusammenarbeit zu erreichen (Cooperation Accelarator). Vorgeschlagen wird die Einführung eines Systems von „Liaisons“ zwischen dem IGF und entsprechenden zwischenstaatlichen Gremien.

Das Option Paper spricht sich auch aus für eine gestraffte Leitungsstruktur des MAG und die Stärkung des „High Level Governmental Segments“ sowie des „Parliamentarian Tracks“ als Teil eines IGF+ aus.

Das IGF selbst solle jedoch kein Verhandlungsgremium werden, einzelne Gruppen innerhalb des IGF wie die „Dynamic Coalitions“ oder die „Best Practice Fora“ können jedoch durchaus als „Policy Incubators“ fungieren und mit Ideen und Vorschläge entsprechende zwischenstaatliche Verhandlungen bereichern.

Unterstützt wird der Vorschlag zur Bestellung eines „Technology Envoy“ durch UN-Generalsekretär Antonio Guterres, wobei darauf hingewiesen wird, dass Überschneidungen, Dopplungen oder Konkurrenzsituationen vermieden werden müssten.

Ein „Multistakeholder High Level Body“ (MHLB), wie in der „Roadmap on Digital Cooperation“ vorgesehen, könnte die entsprechende Koordinierung mit der notwendigen Autorität und Legitimierung vornehmen.

UN-eGovernment Survey, 12. Juli 2020

Am 10. Juli 2020 veröffentlichte die UN ihren „Survey on E-Government“. Die Pandemie habe verdeutlicht, wie wichtig funktionierende digitale Dienstleistungen im öffentlichen Bereich sind. Der alle zwei Jahre publizierte Bericht enthält eine Übersicht über von Regierungen angebotenen digitalen Diensten sowie ein globales Ranking. Festgestellt wird, dass die globale digitale Spaltung sich nur langsam verringert. Der Survey basiert auf einem sich aus zahlreichen Faktoren zusammensetzenden „E-Government Development Index“ (EGDI). Als Fortschritt sei zu verzeichnen, dass 65 Prozent der UN-Staaten mittlerweile als „High“ oder „Very High“ auf dem EGDI-Index geführt werden. Das 2020-Ranking der 193 UN-Staaten wird angeführt von Dänemark, Korea und Estland. Auf den weiteren Plätzen folgen Finnland, Australien, Schweden, Großbritannien, Neuseeland, die USA, die Niederlande, Singapur, Island, Norwegen und Japan. Länder wie Bhutan, Bangladesh, Kambodscha, Mauritius, die Seychellen und Südafrika befinden sich unter den „Aufsteigern“ aus dem globalen Süden[14]. 

Mehr zum Thema
Q3/2020UN
  1. [1] Arria Formula of the Security Council - Cyber-Attack against Critical Infrastructure, 6. August 2020, virtuell, in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbBchZEG5D8
  2. [2] UN Security Council, Arria-Formula, Acting Assistant UN- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Ramesh Rajasingham, Opening remarks on contemporary challenges on the protection of civilians and humanitarian aspects related to cyber-attacks, 26. August 2020: „As the Secretary-General noted in his 2020 report on the protection of civilians, the digitization and interconnectivity of the healthcare and energy sectors mean that the frequency and impact of cyber-attacks on healthcare, electrical and water infrastructure could become increasingly widespread. Cyber-attacks against industrial control systems that operate critical civilian infrastructure such as electrical, water, and sanitation facilities can cause significant harm to populations. The energy sector is known to regularly come under cyber-attack. The disruption of electricity grids can deprive large numbers of people of electrical power, as we have seen in Ukraine, for instance. Water treatment facilities are also vulnerable to cyber-attack, with the risk of disrupting the provision of drinking water and leading to shortages in supply. The increased digitization and interconnectivity we see in the healthcare sector has made it more vulnerable to attack as well. Cyber-attacks have jeopardized healthcare services in places like the UK, the Czech Republic, France, Spain, Thailand and the United States, at times forcing the postponement of surgeries, compromising patient data, and disrupting health services, including the processing of COVID-19 tests. Research in the U.S. has revealed that hospitals facing cyber-attacks and data breaches have seen a rise in the mortality rate of certain patients because of delays in administering tests. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, INTERPOL has reported a rise in ransomware attacks against hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Research into COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccines has also proven vulnerable to cyber-attack, with worrisome implications for all of us.“ In: https://reliefweb.int/report/world/acting-assistant-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-ramesh-rajasingham-opening
  3. [3] UN Security Council, Arria-Formula, Rodney Hunter, Political Coordinator, U.S. Mission to the United Nations, 26. August 2020: „Malicious activity against critical infrastructure is deeply irresponsible and it’s dangerous, as has been mentioned by many today. Anyone who engages in such actions should expect consequences. The United States has zero tolerance for malicious cyber activity designed to undermine U.S. and international partners’ efforts to protect, assist, and inform the public at any time, but especially during this global pandemic…. Unfortunately, despite the commitments that all member states have made to be guided by the framework, some have conducted irresponsible state behavior. The international community must be prepared to hold these bad actors accountable for their irresponsible actions.“ In: https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-a-un-security-council-arria-formula-meeting-on-cyber-attacks-against-critical-infrastructure-via-vtc/
  4. [4] UN Security Council, Arria-Formula, Statement by Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, 26. August 2020: „Amid the COVID-19 pandemic almost all communications has been digitalized. Government services, banks, hospitals, schools as well as other essential institutions now rely on digital infrastructure more than ever. The political, military, terrorist and criminal threats in this field are also mounting. It is even more regrettable that certain countries are attempting to justify unilateral pressure and sanctions on other Member States and even possible use of force against them under the pretext of the ‘full and unconditional application of existing international law, in particular humanitarian, in information space’. This includes the notorious concept of ‘preventive military cyber strikes’ which is based on flawed interpretation of the alleged right to “self-defense” in cyber space. We also note with concern a dangerous tendency to artificially differentiate between the norms that should guide the states’ behavior in “peacetime” and those that should guide it in “an armed conflict”. We completely reject these concepts and stand firmly for the use of ICTs for peaceful purposes only. The conflict in information space should be prevented rather than regulated. The role of the UN in this process is unique and indispensable. The protection of critical infrastructure is extremely important. However, it cannot be separated from a broader goal to adopt the above-mentioned rules of responsible behavior of states. Once they are in place, the states will take up an obligation to refrain from attacks on this infrastructure. It should not be limited to the medical facilities only but also embrace other essential services, including education, energy sector, transport, finance, etc.“ In: https://russiaun.ru/en/news/arria_260820
  5. [5] UN Security Council, Arria-Formula, Statement by Minister-Counsellor Yao Shaojun, 26. August 2020: „As economy and society become more dependent on cyber, it is more urgent to protect critical infrastructure. China would like to make the following comments: First, we should uphold peace in cyberspace. Information and communication technology touches every aspect of a state, such as politics, economy, society and people’s lives. Consequences of cyber conflict among states, especially big powers are beyond imagination. The report of 2015 United Nations Group of Governmental Experts says clearly that a state should not conduct or knowingly support ICT activity contrary to its obligations under international law that intentionally damages critical infrastructure. However, some states still give authorization to conduct cyber attacks against critical infrastructure of other states. The practice is dangerous and does not serve the interests of all parties. Second, we should prudently deal with the application of international law in cyberspace. The principles enshrined in the UN Charter apply in cyberspace, including sovereign equality, refraining from the use of force, settlement of dispute through peaceful means, and non-intervention into internal affairs of other states. In terms of the applicability of the law of armed conflict, international humanitarian law and international human rights law in cyber attacks against critical infrastructure, there are still legal and technical difficulties, including definition, scope and etc. Third, we should develop norms for responsible behavior of states. China supports the development of universally accepted norms within the framework of the UN. States have the rights and responsibilities to protect their critical ICT infrastructure against threat, interference, attack and sabotage in accordance with laws. States should be committed to refraining from launching cyber attacks on critical infrastructure of other states. States should not restrict the market access of telecommunication infrastructure products by abusing the concept of national security. Fourth, we should enhance capacity-building of states. States should increase exchanges on standards and best practices with regard to critical infrastructure protection, and explore the possibilities to establish relevant risk early warning and information sharing mechanism. Efforts should also be made to improve protection capability for cyber security of states, especially developing countries, and promote emergency response and coordination in case of cyber attacks against critical infrastructure.“ In: http://chnun.chinamission.org.cn/eng/hyyfy/t1809700.htm
  6. [6] UN Declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, 21. September 2020: „13. We will improve digital cooperation. Digital technologies have profoundly transformed society. They offer unprecedented opportunities and new challenges. When improperly or maliciously used, they can fuel divisions within and between countries, increase insecurity, undermine human rights and exacerbate inequality. Shaping a shared vision on digital cooperation and a digital future that show the full potential for beneficial technology usage, and addressing digital trust and security, must continue to be a priority as our world is now more than ever relying on digital tools for connectivity and socioeconomic prosperity. Digital technologies have a potential to accelerate the realization of the 2030 Agenda. We must ensure safe and affordable digital access for all. The United Nations can provide a platform for all stakeholders to participate in such deliberations.“ In: https://undocs.org/A/75/L.1
  7. [7] Secretary-General's address to the Opening of the General Debate of the 75th Session of the General Assembly, in: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2020-09-22/secretary-generals-address-the-opening-of-the-general-debate-of-the-75th-session-of-the-general-assembly
  8. [8] Secretary-General's remarks at General Assembly Ceremony marking the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations, 21. September 2020: "Today we have a surplus of multilateral challenges and a deficit of multilateral solutions. National sovereignty — a pillar of the United Nations — goes hand-in-hand with enhanced international cooperation based on common values and shared responsibilities in pursuit of progress for all. No one wants a world government — but we must work together to improve world governance. In an interconnected world, we need a networked multilateralism, in which the United Nations family, international financial institutions, regional organizations, trading blocs and others work together more closely and more effectively. We also need an inclusive multilateralism, drawing on civil society, cities, businesses, local authorities and more and more on young people." In: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2020-09-21/secretary-generals-remarks-general-assembly-ceremony-marking-the-75th-anniversary-of-the-united-nations-bilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english-and-all-french
  9. [9] Statement by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People's Republic of China at the General Debate of the 75th Session of The United Nations General Assembly, 22. September 2020, „First, COVID-19 reminds us that we are living in an interconnected global village with a common stake. All countries are closely connected and we share a common future. No country can gain from others' difficulties or maintain stability by taking advantage of others' troubles. To pursue a beggar-thy-neighbor policy or just watch from a safe distance when others are in danger will eventually land one in the same trouble faced by others. This is why we should embrace the vision of a community with a shared future in which everyone is bound together. We should reject attempts to build blocs to keep others out and oppose a zero-sum approach. We should see each other as members of the same big family, pursue win-win cooperation, and rise above ideological disputes and do not fall into the trap of "clash of civilizations". More importantly, we should respect a country's independent choice of development path and model. The world is diverse in nature, and we should turn this diversity into a constant source of inspiration driving human advancement. This will ensure that human civilizations remain colorful and diversified. Second, COVID-19 reminds us that economic globalization is an indisputable reality and a historical trend. Burying one's head in the sand like an ostrich in the face of economic globalization or trying to fight it with Don Quixote's lance goes against the trend of history. Let this be clear: The world will never return to isolation, and no one can sever the ties between countries. We should not dodge the challenges of economic globalization. Instead, we must face up to major issues such as the wealth gap and the development divide. We should strike a proper balance between the government and the market, fairness and efficiency, growth and income distribution, and technology and employment so as to ensure full and balanced development that delivers benefit to people from all countries, sectors and backgrounds in an equitable way. We should pursue open and inclusive development, remain committed to building an open world economy, and uphold the multilateral trading regime with the World Trade Organization as the cornerstone. We should say no to unilateralism and protectionism, and work to ensure the stable and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains. Third, COVID-19 reminds us that humankind should launch a green revolution and move faster to create a green way of development and life, preserve the environment and make Mother Earth a better place for all. Humankind can no longer afford to ignore the repeated warnings of Nature and go down the beaten path of extracting resources without investing in conservation, pursuing development at the expense of protection, and exploiting resources without restoration. The Paris Agreement on climate change charts the course for the world to transition to green and low-carbon development. It outlines the minimum steps to be taken to protect the Earth, our shared homeland, and all countries must take decisive steps to honor this Agreement. China will scale up its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions by adopting more vigorous policies and measures. We aim to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. We call on all countries to pursue innovative, coordinated, green and open development for all, seize the historic opportunities presented by the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, achieve a green recovery of the world economy in the post-COVID era and thus create a powerful force driving sustainable development. Fourth, COVID-19 reminds us that the global governance system calls for reform and improvement. COVID-19 is a major test of the governance capacity of countries; it is also a test of the global governance system. We should stay true to multilateralism and safeguard the international system with the UN at its core. Global governance should be based on the principle of extensive consultation, joint cooperation and shared benefits so as to ensure that all countries enjoy equal rights and opportunities and follow the same rules. The global governance system should adapt itself to evolving global political and economic dynamics, meet global challenges and embrace the underlying trend of peace, development and win-win cooperation. It is natural for countries to have differences. What's important is to address them through dialogue and consultation. Countries may engage in competition, but such competition should be positive and healthy in nature. When in competition, countries should not breach the moral standard and should comply with international norms. In particular, major countries should act like major countries. They should provide more global public goods, take up their due responsibilities and live up to people's expectations.“ In: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/t1817098.shtml
  10. [10] Speech by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, 22. September 2020: „The pandemic has also pinpointed a series of ethical, technological and humanitarian matters. For instance, advanced digital technologies helped quickly reorganize education, trade and services, as well as set up distant learning and online courses for people of different ages. Artificial intelligence has assisted doctors in making more accurate and timely diagnoses and finding the best treatment. However, just like any other innovation, digital technologies tend to spread uncontrollably and, just like conventional weapons, can fall into the hands of various radicals and extremists not only in the regional conflict zones, but also in quite prosperous countries, thus engendering enormous risks. In this regard, matters related to cybersecurity and the use of advanced digital technology also deserve a most serious deliberation within the UN. It is important to hear and appreciate the concerns of people over the protection of their rights, such as the right to privacy, property and security, in the new era. We must learn to use new technologies for the benefit of humankind, seek for a right balance between encouraging the development of artificial intelligence and justifiable restrictions to limit it, and work together towards a consensus in the field of regulation that would avert potential threats in terms of both military and technological security, as well as traditions, law, and morals of human communication.“ In: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/64074
  11. [11] Report of the UN Secretary-General Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, New York, 11. Juni 2020, in: https://www.un.org/en/content/digital-cooperation-roadmap/
  12. [12] High Level UN Roundtable: DigitalCooperation - Action Today for Future Generations , 23. September 2020, in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSOHueL-SA4
  13. [13] Recommendation 5A/B: Options for the Future of Global Digital Cooperation, 3. September 2020: „The consultations on Recommendation 5A/B have confirmed that the institutional framework for better global digital cooperation should be based on the current IGF. The Internet Governance Forum should become an Internet Governance Forum + (IGF+) with a straightforward and transparent structure which accounts for other fora working on digital issues. At the same time, the IGF+ should also use the strengths of the Co-Governance model and the Digital Commons Architecture, i.e. the preservation of a bottom-up approach and the focus on more actionable outcomes, and include elements of these models. More inclusivity of the IGF+ and its annual meetings will necessitate concerted efforts. Measures are not limited to, but should include dedicated funds to participants from the Global South, remote participation technology, clear and transparent rules and criteria for the selection and regular rotation of members of IGF+ bodies, in particular the Multistakeholder Advisory Group, as well as the monitoring of inclusivity by the IGF+ Secretariat. To overcome the silos between technical knowledge, civil society and policymakers and to connect internet governance fora, the IGF+ needs a dedicated structure, namely the cooperation accelerator as proposed by the High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation. The work of the cooperation accelerator could be supported by liaison officers at the IGF+ and other fora. Moreover, the institutional links between the IGF+ and the UN should become closer, for instance by associating the IGF Secretariat with the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General, in line with the interest of Member States to address cross-cutting issues arising from the development of digital technologies. The IGF+ should produce more concrete and actionable outcomes, e.g. policy recommendations and/or outcome reports of the annual IGF+ meeting, while remaining a discussion body at its core. There are tools at hand to facilitate the transformation of the IGF and address concerns about a shift towards more concrete outcomes. New approaches could be developed and tested at the next IGF+ (sandbox-approach), for instance, for the development of concrete policy recommendations, potentially using elements of the Distributed Co-Governance (CoGov) model. Streamlining the IGF+ annual meetings, by reducing the number of sessions per day, multi-year IGF+ planning and by reorganizing the program around a limited number of specific issues, will also improve outcomes. Once there are more concrete outcomes, these need to be fed into decision-making bodies. There is potential to build on and strengthen the existing Dynamic Coalitions and Best Practice Fora for this purpose, instead of creating a new structure, like the policy incubator. Moreover, dedicated sessions at the annual IGF+ meeting on the work of decision-making bodies and reporting between different bodies could be equally beneficial. There are already good practices at the IGF to ensure a high level of governmental engagement which should be expanded. These include a high-level leaders segment at the annual IGF+ and a parliamentarian track. At the same time, it will remain important that leaders from all stakeholder groups and all geographical regions take part in any high-level leaders segment. There is also room to conceptualize the mandate of the UNSG’s Envoy on Technology in a way which would ensure a personal and institutional overlap between the UN Tech Envoy and the IGF structures and also heighten governmental interest. The relevance of a future IGF+ will also depend on stronger leadership, a task which could be taken on by a high-level leadership group in addition to the Multistakeholder Advisory Group, as already pointed out in the Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation. The leadership group should feature multi-stakeholder representation and have a manageable size.” In: https://www.global-cooperation.digital/GCD/Navigation/EN/Home/home.html
  14. [14] 2020 United Nations E-Government Survey, 10. Juli 2020: „The pandemic has renewed and anchored the role of digital government – both in its conventional delivery of digital services as well as new innovative efforts in managing the crisis,” said Mr. Liu Zhenmin, UN Under‑Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. “While e-government rankings tend to correlate with the income level of a country, financial resources are not the only critical factor in advancing digital government. A country’s political will, strategic leadership and commitment to advance digital services, can improve its comparative ranking.” In: https://www.un.org/development/desa/publications/publication/2020-united-nations-e-government-survey