Building momentum for Digital Public Goods – Sharing the DPGA Advocacy Strategy
Author: Jon Lloyd, Director of 50-in-5 and Advocacy, Digital Public Goods Alliance Secretariat
Digital public goods (DPGs) are transforming how the world is tackling some of our most pressing global challenges, from financial inclusion to climate resilience. Today, the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) Secretariat is excited to share an advocacy strategy that can act as a blueprint for all stakeholders, but specifically governments (including their agencies); multilateral organisations (including UN entities); philanthropic foundations, funders, think tanks; and technology companies, and which can help channel the collective energy, expertise and enthusiasm to ensure that DPGs reach their potential to cultivate positive change.
This strategy reflects the tactics and messages used successfully by not only the DPG community, but those working to advance digital transformation worldwide for more inclusive, accessible, and interoperable digital tools. It includes:
- The DPGA’s vision and objectives
- Insight on the DPGA’s approach to advocacy
- Core tactics
- Key messages
- Resources
For an example of the core tactics in action, detailed in the strategy, look no further than the recently adopted Global Digital Compact, which explicitly notes how digital public goods can be a key driver of inclusive digital transformation and innovation. Doing so underscores the understanding that open-source solutions can play an invaluable role in fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Simultaneously, the GDC also acknowledges that in order to seize and unlock the benefits of DPGs, more support is needed, including increased investment.
Central to the success of the DPGA community’s collective ambitions to support DPGs is alignment behind actionable goals. This strategy outlines the objectives of the DPGA and its targets which include: 50 countries adopting safe, inclusive, and interoperable DPGs for their foundational digital public infrastructure, finding solutions to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate, tackling information pollution to enhance integrity and trust, and proactively working together to solve urgent global challenges.
There are over 18 examples in the strategy of how the DPGA community is already taking action to help further these goals, from hosting workshops and roundtables, to publishing case studies, policies, and reports, to contributing to global consultations, and bringing stakeholders together to advance DPGs.
By working together, we not only align on what we say and do, but tap into the commitment and resolve that exists among every one of us in the DPG ecosystem.
Let’s bridge the gap between aspiration and action, ensuring that digital public goods aren’t just an opportunity but become the norm. Please explore the strategy, and share your insights and knowledge to help strengthen the momentum for digital public goods.