BANGKOK, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- The ASEAN-UNESCO Multistakeholder Forum on the Governance of Digital Platforms is taking place here, aiming to develop a unified regional framework based on human rights, safety, and shared responsibility.
Bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the forum seeks to establish policies for governance, transparency, and fairness for digital platforms.
In his opening remarks on Tuesday, Chaichanok Chidchob, Thailand's minister of Digital Economy and Society, called the meeting a significant step in aligning regional digital governance with international standards.
Chaichanok stressed the urgency of addressing risks posed by digital platforms, including illegal content, online fraud and scams, disinformation, and dangers to children and youth.
Developing a strong digital governance framework and an effective governance mechanism for platforms through inclusive participation is essential, he noted.
Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, director of the UNESCO Liaison Office to ASEAN and the Regional Office in Jakarta, said while digital platforms provide equitable access to knowledge and culture and connect people globally, they have also become spaces for disinformation, polarization, and incitement to violence, discrimination, and hatred.
She called for a human rights-based and multistakeholder approach to foster an "Internet for Trust," which is essential for safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information.
Sujiro Seam, ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN, underscored that digital challenges are not limited to one region and require inter-regional cooperation built on shared values of transparency, accountability, and trust to establish modern and fair regulations that serve all stakeholders.
Running through Wednesday, the three-day event, themed "Digital Governance for a Trusted Future," will cover in-depth discussions on topics such as the regulation of generative AI, online safety, fair competition, and digital literacy. ■