Sign in Subscribe
United Nations. General Assembly

Russia Emphasizes Importance of ICT Regulation and Digital Cooperation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Vershinin and UN officials discussed various aspects of information and communications technologies, including artificial intelligence, during a meeting at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. The meeting highlighted the role of the UN in regulating ICTs and the Russian Federation's contribution to relevant multilateral initiatives. The parties agreed to continue cooperation on implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society, focusing on bridging the digital divide. The meeting marked another step in Russia's efforts to engage with international organizations and promote digital cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meeting between Deputy Minister Sergey Vershinin and UN officials focused on the key role of the UN in regulating information and communications technologies (ICT).
  • The parties recognized the Russian Federation's important contribution to the development of multilateral initiatives, including the recent adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on AI.
  • The Russian Federation's interest in further involving its experts in the work of specialized platforms within the UN was emphasized.
  • The meeting agreed to continue constructive cooperation on implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
  • The WSIS process is to be extended to bridge the digital divide.
  • Deputy Minister Sergey Vershinin is involved in efforts to promote digital cooperation and engage with international organizations.
  • The Russian Federation supports the development of relevant multilateral initiatives, with the recent UN General Assembly resolution on AI being cited as an example.
  • Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union D. Bogdan-Martin and UN Under-Secretary-General A.S. Gill, both participated in the meeting.

Statistics:

  • The 80th session of the UN General Assembly took place, with a high-level week featuring key discussions on ICT regulation.
  • The Russian Federation has contributed to recent multilateral initiatives, with the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on AI serving as recent example.
  • The number of specialized platforms within the UN where Russian experts can be involved in the work is not specified.
  • The outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) are to be implemented through continued cooperation between Russia and the UN.
  • The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution on the modalities of the Global Dialogue and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, news release, September 23.

Read more