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I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries Türkiye, North Macedonia^*, Montenegro*, Serbia^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, the potential candidate country Georgia, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

The EU supports the UN Culture of Peace agenda, which reflects our core values, goals, and actions. We are convinced that discussing, in the UN General Assembly, the respect for life and dignity of each human being without discrimination or prejudice, non-violence, democratic participation, human rights and fundamental freedoms, peaceful settlement of conflicts, solidarity and cooperation for development, equal rights and opportunities for all help to bridge divides across and within societies worldwide, and help to advance the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Resolution 53/243 encapsulates ideas and commitments whose relevance is just as pertinent today as they were in 1999. Therefore, we welcome the opportunity that today’s High-Level Forum offers to deepen the reflections on Promoting Culture of Peace in the Digital Era.

As we celebrate this year the 75^th anniversary of the UDHR and the 30^th anniversary of the VDPA, it is important to underline that respect for international law, and in particular for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, is the sine qua non of lasting peace.

In the Declaration on a Culture of Peace, we have all committed to support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge, by supporting the important role of the media, by ensuring freedom of the press and freedom of information and communication; and by promoting mass communication that enables communities to express their needs and participate in decision-making. There can be no Culture of Peace without respect human rights, democratic participation and the rule of law. Fighting discrimination and ensuring equal treatment should apply to all.

Since 1999, we have witnessed tremendous change in societies worldwide. Now, in this digital age, we must confront the challenges but also seize the many opportunities before us. Digital technologies impact every one of us, and we all play a part in shaping our digital future. Managing the social, political, cultural and economic implications of digital technologies requires global cooperation – across borders, and between sectors. We cannot reap the full benefits of the digital age without mobilizing the global cooperation needed to mitigate its potential harms. To prevent widening digital divides, our collaboration in the digital realm must match the rapid transition towards an increasingly digitalized world and must put human rights at the centre.

In the "Our Common Agenda " report, the UN Secretary-General suggested the creation of a Global Digital Compact which aims to define collective principles for an open, free, and secure digital future for everyone. The Secretary-General outlined potential topics for consideration in the GDC, such as digital connectivity, preventing Internet fragmentation, offering individuals choices regarding their data usage, ensuring promotion and protection of human rights both online and offline, and fostering a reliable Internet through the introduction of accountability criteria for discrimination and misleading content as well as the regulation of artificial intelligence.

Embracing a multi-stakeholder approach is essential. For this technology trajectory to be successful, it is crucial to engage all stakeholders: governments, the United Nations system, the private sector (including tech companies), civil society, grass-roots organizations, academia, and individuals, notably the youth.

The EU strongly believes that fundamental freedoms and human rights must be upheld in the digital world just as they are in the offline world - this includes civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights.

Digital technologies ought to safeguard human rights, enhance democracy, and guarantee responsible and safe actions by all digital entities. Technology should serve as a bridge, not a barrier, among people especially those in vulnerable situations. The potential of digitalization in accelerating attainment of the SDGs remains a priority. This is another key area where a global digital compact can contribute.

Digital technologies are also vital component of social and economic advancement. It should be used to create a safe and trusted digital space for everyone, where the fundamental freedoms and human rights that citizens have offline are also protected, promoted, enjoyed and applied online. Whether something takes place offline or online should not make any difference as far as human rights are concerned. We look forward to continuing to actively engage in the process of developing a Global Digital Compact, cooperating with all the relevant stakeholders, including the UN Tech Envoy in this respect.

The EU will remain engaged in all of the important areas covered by the culture of peace agenda, including through the implementation of its policies, programmes and strategies, and will continue to work in close cooperation and partnership with the international community.

I thank you

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.