The Global Digital Compact (GDC) (en: Global Digital Compact GDC) is a comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and the governance of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, proposed in the Common Agenda of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres. The goal of the Global Digital Compact is to create an inclusive framework for digital cooperation that ensures an open, free and secure digital future for all people, bridging the digital divide, promoting human rights online and setting global standards for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.[1]​[2]​ Although the pact is non-binding, it is considered a step towards addressing the most pressing digital challenges on a global scale.[3]​ The Global Digital Compact is part of the Compact for the Future"), which was discussed and adopted at the United Nations Future Summit") in September 2024,[4]​ and is based on the Charter of the United Nations and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.[5]​.

In 2013, the General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution on the right to privacy in the digital age, underlining that this right is a human right and affirming that the rights of people offline must be protected online.[6]​ In 2020, on the 75th anniversary of the UN, Member States adopted a declaration that emphasized the importance of enhancing digital cooperation, recognized the growing importance of digital technologies, and called for greater international cooperation on digital governance.[5]​ In response, in 2021, the Secretary-General's report, “Our Common Agenda”, analyzed the challenges of digital technologies and the resulting inequalities. The report proposed a Future Summit, with a technological axis that would lead to a Global Digital Pact.[1]​.

On 17 January 2023, the President of the United Nations General Assembly appointed Rwanda (later replaced by Zambia) and Sweden as co-facilitators to lead the intergovernmental and private sector process on the Global Digital Compact.[7] A roadmap for the process was published on 16 January 2023.

As part of the consultative process, the United Nations requested the input of individuals, groups, associations, organizations and entities to contribute to the development of the Global Digital Compact. These discussions led to informed deliberations that took place in September 2024 within the framework of the Future Summit, a larger meeting. Russia attempted to postpone the adoption of the pact, but the move was ultimately rejected and the text of the Global Digital Compact was finalized and adopted.[7]​.