Pursuant to UN GA Resolution 79/1 which requests the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) to establish a multi-stakeholder working group on data governance at all levels as relevant for development and on the basis of the consultations undertaken in this context, the CSTD Bureau decided on 17 March 2025 that the UN CSTD Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Data Governance at All Levels will comprise 27 State members and 27 non-State members.
The composition of the Working Group is provided in the attached annex.
This meeting of the Working Group is the first in a series aimed at preparing the progress report for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2026.
Objective
The main objectives of the meeting are to:
- Determine the Working Group’s agenda and methods of work.
- Discuss the tasks outlined in the Global Digital Compact.
- Agree on topics and dates for subsequent meetings.
The meeting will also confirm the selection of a vice-chair representing governmental stakeholders and another vice-chair representing non-governmental stakeholders.
Participation
The session is open to all member of the Working Group on Data Governance at All Levels.
Member States of the United Nations that are not members of the Working Group may attend the meeting as observers.
The meeting is likewise open to representatives of academia, business, civil society, the technical community, international organizations and other non-governmental stakeholder groups.
Registration
Registration is mandatory for all participants and should be completed online.
Logistics
The session will be held with physical participation in Room XXIII of the Palais des Nations. Those who cannot attend the meeting in person will be able to follow it via Webex.
Participants who will attend the meeting remotely will receive the Webex link by e-mail upon approval of their registration.
