The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has officially endorsed the vision and principles of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), reaffirming its commitment to digital development and equitable digital inclusion.
As an active participant in the ongoing discussions surrounding the GDC, BNNRC is playing a critical role in shaping the next steps towards creating a more inclusive and human-centered digital future, read a press release.
Since its inception, BNNRC has been at the forefront of leveraging media and ICT, especially community radio broadcasting, to reach underserved communities across Bangladesh, read the statement.
Beginning in 2006, the organisation has worked to implement the United Nations' World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) action lines (C1-C11). More recently, BNNRC has embraced digital transformation and localisation, with a focus on information integrity and digital development.
This strategic shift has enabled BNNRC to contribute to key areas such as Internet governance, combatting technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), and advancing media development. BNNRC’s work aligns with the organization’s mission to promote equitable access to digital technology, underscored by a human-centric approach that emphasizes human rights, gender equality, and sustainability.
The BNNRC, in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and accredited by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), the SDGs Media Compact of the United Nations, and the UN WSIS prize winner 2016, Champion 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 for media development, ICT4D. This international recognition, a testament to our commitment and impact, is a source of pride and reassurance for our stakeholders.
Since 2006, BNNRC has had the privilege of hosting the secretariat for the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum, and from 2022, the secretariat of the Bangladesh Initiative for Unified Voices on the Global Digital Compact and the UN Summit for the Future 2024.
The BNNRC played a pivotal role in shaping the GDC and Summit of the Future, advocating for Advancing Media Development and access to Digital Technology for Equitable Digital Inclusion and human-centered digital transformation, which is guided by human rights, gender equality, sustainability, and inclusion since 2022 when UN Secretary General published report name Our Common Agenda in Bangladesh and South Asia.
The BNNRC has written to and made statements expressing concerns regarding the GDC and Summit of the Future's deep dives and informal consultation organized by co-facilitators. The BNNRC is actively and visibly cooperating in relevant processes leading up to the World Summit on Information Society Review Process (WSIS+20), Internet Governance Forum (IGF), including the Summit of the Future and the Global Digital Compact (GDC).
Therefore, BNNRC reiterates its interest in endorsing the Global Digital Compact's vision and principles and actively participating in its future steps from Bangladesh.
Establishing a country-level network, a pivotal step towards its realization is crucial for successfully implementing the Global Digital Compact. The Global Digital Compact Network Bangladesh exemplifies this in line with the UN Global Compact Network, said the statement.
