New York, 23 September 2025 – Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Chola Milambo, delivered the closing remarks at the first United Nations Digital Cooperation Day on Monday, marking the one-year anniversary of the Global Digital Compact.
Speaking during the session “The Global Digital Compact One Year On” at the 80th UN General Assembly High-Level Week, Ambassador Milambo outlined Africa’s growing influence in global digital initiatives. He pointed to innovations across the continent, including Kenya’s mobile money systems, Rwanda’s drone deliveries, Ghana’s digital identity platform, and South Africa’s artificial intelligence governance frameworks, as examples of Africa shaping inclusive digital transformation.
The Global Digital Compact, adopted by all 193 UN Member States on 22 September 2024, sets out an international framework for digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Zambia co-facilitated the negotiations alongside Sweden, a move that Milambo said has advanced from agreement to practical implementation over the past year.
Ambassador Milambo noted the importance of digital equity, particularly in giving rural communities access to education and ensuring all nations can contribute to global digital progress.
The event included addresses from UN Under-Secretary-General for Digital and Emerging Technologies Dr. Amandeep Gill and International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, as well as representatives from IBM, the East African Community, and Denmark.
The Global Digital Compact outlines five objectives: bridging digital divides, expanding economic inclusion, creating safe digital spaces, promoting responsible data governance, and supporting equitable AI development.
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