This theme explores how global society can harness the maturity of communications and media technologies to promote environmental sustainability, inclusiveness, and social well-being. The concept of the Common Good is rooted in the United Nations’ notions of sustainability and sustainable development, which have become global reference frameworks through a multi-stakeholder approach. These examples, now part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), provide a base for action in the future. But there are still ongoing debates about what these plans should look like and what should be done first, and these are influenced by different beliefs and ideas about the world.
Central to this vision—impacting both public and private actors—are the principles of technology governance and responsible innovation, which ensure that technological advancements are ethically guided and aligned with societal values. The current developments addressed by this theme include recent advances in technology, particularly in AI, but also significant socio-institutional transformations.
The latter, including digital inequalities, polarization, and disinformation, highlight the interconnected and global nature of today’s challenges. Addressing them requires collaboration among diverse actors such as governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, and private enterprises. This interconnectedness has driven the creation of new regulatory frameworks and emphasized the necessity of multi-stakeholder cooperation. Sustainable societies can only be built through holistic approaches that prioritize equitable North-South relations. Organizations like the United Nations and the European Union, along with civil society and private corporations, are advancing efforts in key areas such as Internet governance, digital inclusion, ethical AI development, data privacy, and climate-focused technology. These initiatives exemplify how coordinated actions across sectors can address complex challenges and foster sustainable solutions.
