New data governance toolkit launched to support inclusive and ethical digital transformation
UNESCO, UNDP, ITU, and the African Union unveiled a new Data Governance Toolkit to help countries build inclusive and rights-based data governance frameworks, launched during the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva.
On 8 July 2025, the Data Governance Toolkit: Navigating Data in the Digital Age was officially launched at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva. Developed by the Broadband Commission Working Group on Data Governance, co-chaired by UNESCO, UNDP, ITU, and the African Union Commission, the Toolkit is designed to guide governments, regulators, and data practitioners in creating future-ready and human rights-based data governance systems.
The Toolkit responds to the growing need for clear, operational guidance on managing data in the digital era—particularly as governments seek to balance innovation with privacy, accountability, and ethical considerations. It offers practical frameworks, legal tools, self-assessment resources, and guidance on key issues like cross-border data flows, institutional capacity, and privacy.
During the launch session titled ‘Powering Digital Futures: Data Governance in the Digital Age,‘ UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Mr Tawfik Jelassi, described the Toolkit as a cornerstone for international cooperation and AI governance. He stressed that the Toolkit is more than a policy reference, it is a tool for enabling actionable change and bridging global policy aspirations with national-level implementation.
The high-level panel discussion, moderated by Mr Guilherme Canela of UNESCO, brought together representatives from South Africa, Mozambique, Samoa, Brazil, Smart Africa, and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data. The dialogue focused on how the Toolkit can help address regulatory gaps and support more equitable, transparent, and ethical data governance models.
The Toolkit was co-developed with contributions from organisations such as Smart Africa, Singapore’s IMDA, GSMA, and the Digital Cooperation Organization, as well as global experts. It advocates for a human rights-based, gender-sensitive, and inclusive approach to data governance—aligned with broader goals around ethical AI deployment and digital equity.
Following its launch, the Toolkit will enter an implementation phase. From Q4 2025, UNESCO and partners will roll out pilot projects, regional dialogues, and capacity-building initiatives. A localised G20 version is planned to support the G20 South African Presidency, and translations into multiple languages—including Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, and Spanish—will support broader global adoption.
As a living resource, the Toolkit is intended to evolve with user feedback and technological trends, helping ensure that data governance keeps pace with global digital transformation while safeguarding fundamental rights.
