What It's All About How is UNICEF involved What are outcomes for youth How can we work together

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

What are DPGs?

Digital Public Goods must be open source.

DPGs are open-source software, open data, open AI systems, and open content collections that adhere to privacy and other applicable best practices, do no harm by design, and are of high relevance for attainment of SDGs. The concept of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) is mandated and supported by the Secretary General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation.

DPG Standard

Why does it matter?

Fast forward from the past

At the end of the XIX century, Western world-dominating countries claimed ownership over dozens of nations under the premise that they had no sovereignty and resources to properly manage their own affairs. At the beginning of the XXI century, we are facing a digital version of this process.

The Digital Public Infrastructure of the Global South is often outsourced to foreign companies. To do away with the past, we're building a generation in charge of their own digital future.

The Global South is declined ownership and power to have their own technology manage regional DPI. Profit – not regional public good – is often point of departure for countries' DPI.

Why does it matter to young people?

About 67% of young people feel they have limited to no control over how technology will impact their lives in the next 10 years.

By outsourcing digital architecture to foreign actors, we're excluding today's youth from taking control of their own digital destiny. We’re also depriving them from employment opportunities, rationale for skill development, and a sense of purpose that they can bring meaningful change to their region.

HOW UNICEF IS INVOLVED

UNICEF × DPGA

UNICEF is a proud co-founder and Board Member of the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA), a multi-stakeholder, UNSG-endorsed initiative that facilitates the discovery and deployment of open-source technologies, bringing together countries and organizations to create a thriving global ecosystem for digital public goods and helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNICEF Office of Innovation partners with Country Offices and stakeholders who recognize the need for today’s youth to become a generation of digital architects and innovators equipped to build, maintain and own DPGs and DPIs.

Learn More about the DPGA