New York, USA. In a significant step towards shaping the digital future, the Claretian Team at the United Nations organized an online panel discussion on July 24, 2024, titled “Claretian Conversation on Global Digital Compact” as part of the Claretian Conversation Series. This dialogue brought together Claretian representatives from various regions worldwide to contribute to the UN’s consultation process for the upcoming Summit of the Future and foster global collaboration among Claretian ministries in addressing digital challenges and opportunities.
Moderated by Fr. Louie R. Guades III, CMF, Coordinator of the iClaret – Claretian General Communication Team, the conversation focused on the UN Secretary-General’s policy briefs on “Global Digital Compact” and “Information Integrity,” the 2nd Revised Draft of the UN document “Global Digital Compact,” and “Towards Full Presence” from the Dicastery for Communication, Holy See.
Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, the General Prefect of Bible and Communication, emphasized in his opening message the importance of intelligent and wise use of communication in the digital age. He stressed the need for digital literacy in missionary activity, conceptualizing the digital world as a new “continent” for evangelization. Fr. Omonisaye highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity in digital communication while encouraging Claretians to view digital engagement as an “encounter” that creates something new.
The discussion, structured in three rounds, covered a wide range of topics crucial to the digital age. The panelists shared insights from their diverse regional contexts, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges presented by the rapid digitalization of society.
In the first round, panelists addressed how Claretians are tackling digital challenges in their pastoral and social ministries. Panelists addressed issues such as accessibility, affordability, safety, digital divides, and online hate speech. The responses underscored the stark contrast in digital landscapes across different regions, from areas struggling with basic internet access to those grappling with the complexities of highly digitalized societies. The panelists emphasized the need for digital literacy programs, improved infrastructure, and strategies to combat misinformation while stressing the importance of leveraging digital platforms for evangelization and pastoral work.
The second round focused on the objectives of the Global Digital Compact and their relevance to different regions. Two objectives were consistently highlighted as critical: closing digital divides and fostering an inclusive, safe, and secure digital space. While most panelists found the proposed commitments actionable, they noted significant regional challenges and concerns about the feasibility of the 2030 timeframe, especially in regions facing economic and political instability. Additional considerations included the need to focus on children’s digital well-being, adopt multilingual approaches, and address region-specific challenges.
The final round addressed the UN Code of Conduct principles for ensuring information integrity on digital platforms. Panelists identified key principles including respect for human rights and freedom of expression, promotion of media literacy and critical thinking, transparency and accountability, support for independent media, and user empowerment. Innovative suggestions emerged, such as creating objective information databases and supporting independent media to combat misinformation and disinformation. The responses reflected a shared concern for ensuring information integrity while protecting fundamental rights, with a focus on education, transparency, and responsible use of digital platforms.
The panel discussion served as a platform for Claretians to contribute their diverse perspectives to the global dialogue on digital cooperation. It highlighted the complex and varied digital challenges faced by Claretians worldwide, from infrastructure and accessibility issues in less developed regions to concerns about misinformation and online safety in more digitally advanced areas.
As the world moves towards the Summit of the Future, this conversation underscores the Claretian commitment to actively participate in shaping a digital future that is inclusive, safe, and aligned with our mission values. The insights gathered will inform both the UN’s consultation process and guide Claretian ministries worldwide in their approach to digital challenges and opportunities.
Panelists:
– Ferdinand Okorie, CMF: Editor-in-Chief, U.S. Catholic, USA-Canada
– Modesta OKI RMI: Indonesia, RMI – Claretian Sisters
– Robert Ulanday Laurio: Claretian Communications Foundation Inc., Philippines
– Suzana Coutinho: Brazil – MICLA
– Miguel Castellanos, CMF: Mexico – MICLA
– Alfonso Machuca Gutiérrez: Spain – ECLA
– Joël Nkongolo, CMF: D.R. Congo – ACLA
– Melvin Neba, CMF: Cameroon – ACLA
– Jose Cherukara, CMF: Hong Kong – ASCLA East
– Nirmalan Solomon CMF: Sri Lanka – ASCLA West
