Data Governance in the Digital Age
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, data is a powerful driver of economic growth, innovation, and societal progress. However, without coherent and inclusive data governance frameworks risks such as privacy breaches, security vulnerabilities, and uneven access to data-driven opportunities become more pronounce. Countries have started enacting policies to leverage the power of data while mitigating risks. Still, a fragmented governance landscape hampers cross-border data flows, complicates regulatory coordination, and creates uncertainty for both policymakers and businesses.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) further intensifies these challenges. AI systems rely on vast and diverse datasets and generate new data at an unprecedented scale. This raises concerns about data quality, integrity, and bias. Building responsible AI solutions calls for governance models that strike a balance between innovation and ethical, legal, and human rights considerations.
Regulatory capacities vary significantly between countries, with some developing foundational data protection laws while others attempt to keep pace with AI advancements. Resources to help policymakers are often too technical, fragmented, or inaccessible for those who need actionable guidance.
advocates for advancing responsible, equitable, and interoperable data governance approaches that protect human rights and foster innovation. The Compact calls for strengthened international cooperation and capacity-building, particularly for developing countries. This global commitment sets a clear pathway for maximizing the benefits of data use while mitigating associated risks.
The Need to Address Data Governance Gaps & Build Capacity
Data governance is no longer just a technical or regulatory issue—it is a global priority. The lack of harmonized frameworks results in regulatory fragmentation, legal uncertainty, and missed opportunities for economic and social development. Key challenges include:
- Gaps in governance frameworks: In many countries, limited or incomplete policies lead to unequal levels of data protection, security, and access.
- AI-driven complexity: AI relies on and produces vast amounts of data, heightening concerns around fairness, accountability, and ethical oversight.
- Regulatory misalignment: Policymakers struggle with rapidly evolving technological shifts, cross-border data flows, and the need for interoperable solutions.
- Uneven capacities: Some nations require foundational governance structures, while others seek guidance on navigating emerging challenges in AI, open data, and digital trade.
- Inaccessible resources: Many existing guidelines on data governance are fragmented, overly technical, or don't provide clear, actionable steps.
In Numbers
(* Data from a 69 country study)
Data Governance Toolkit
The Data Governance Toolkit, set to launch in June 2025, is a UNESCO-led initiative under 's multistakeholder Working Group on "." Started by UNESCO in June 2024 and co-chaired by UNDP, ITU, and the African Union, this forward-looking project is dedicated to equipping policymakers and regulators with policy solutions for data governance in our fast-paced digital and AI era.
Developed by the Broadband Commission's dynamic multistakeholder network, the Toolkit draws on a range of diverse perspectives to ensure its recommendations embody global best practices and tackle real-world challenges head-on.
Bridge the Implementation Gap
While many countries have introduced data governance policies and regulatory bodies, making them a reality can still be challenging. The Toolkit provides a step-by-step approach to operationalize governance frameworks, ensuring effective implementation tailored to each region's unique context.
Build Capacity and Expertise
Policymakers and regulators often need fresh skills, knowledge, and resources to handle complex governance issues. By emphasizing core values like transparency, accountability, fairness, and human rights, the Toolkit lays the groundwork for sustainable data governance.
Support Tailored Approaches
Recognizing that every country is on its own data governance journey, the Toolkit delivers adaptable guidance that aligns with diverse regulatory and institutional landscapes.
The Data Governance Toolkit empowers national and regional policymakers to create forward-looking, responsible, and rights-based data governance policies. By closing the capacity gap, it enables countries to shape frameworks that spark economic growth, innovation, and digital transformation. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it supports sustainable and inclusive digital progress, ensuring that every country—regardless of its current capacity—can thrive in the digital era.
What Policymakers Will Learn
WHY – How to define a vision and purpose for data governance in the context of AI, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
HOW – What principles should guide a governance framework to balance innovation, security, and ethical considerations.
WHO – Identifying the stakeholders, institutions, and processes required to build and enforce responsible governance structures.
WHAT – Policies and best practices to manage data across its entire lifecycle while ensuring privacy, interoperability, and regulatory compliance.
Why This Toolkit is Essential for the Digital Age
- AI-Ready Governance – Ensures data is high-quality, unbiased, and responsibly used in AI systems.
- Navigating Emerging Issues – Addresses challenges such as cross-border data flows, synthetic data, decentralized data management, and privacy-enhancing technologies.
- Enabling Digital Public Infrastructure – Supports governments in building secure, interoperable, and equitable digital systems that drive economic growth and social development.
- Harmonizing Global Standards – Helps align national policies with international data governance frameworks to facilitate trusted and responsible digital cooperation.