UN Launches Global Survey to Combat Misinformation and Disinformation Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
New York, NY (October 26, 2024) – The United Nations has embarked on a critical mission to assess and mitigate the detrimental effects of misinformation and disinformation on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative stems from the Global Digital Compact, a landmark agreement adopted by UN Member States in 2024, which specifically mandates the evaluation of how false or misleading information hinders progress towards these global objectives (Action 35e). Leading this charge is the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), which has launched a comprehensive online survey to gather insights and best practices from a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
The survey, accessible globally, aims to create a comprehensive repository of ongoing efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation around the world. This includes identifying successful initiatives, innovative strategies, and policy frameworks that have demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating the harmful impacts of false narratives. Furthermore, the survey seeks to pinpoint existing gaps in these efforts and highlight areas where further action and international cooperation are necessary. The data collected will serve as a foundation for developing future policy guidance and strengthening global responses to this growing challenge.
The DGC recognizes the pervasive nature of misinformation and disinformation and the multifaceted approach required to address it effectively. Therefore, the survey is open to a wide range of participants, including UN entities, Member States, civil society organizations, academic institutions, tech companies, and individual experts. This inclusive approach is crucial for gathering diverse perspectives and ensuring a holistic understanding of the issue. The survey is designed to capture both quantitative and qualitative data, allowing respondents to share not only statistical information but also their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned in tackling this complex problem.
The survey delves into several key areas to comprehensively understand the landscape of misinformation and disinformation. It explores the specific impacts of false narratives on different SDGs, examining how these narratives can hinder progress towards goals related to health, education, climate action, gender equality, and peacebuilding, among others. It also investigates the various methods employed to combat misinformation, including fact-checking initiatives, media literacy programs, and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the survey examines the role of technology platforms in amplifying or mitigating the spread of misinformation and explores the ethical considerations surrounding content moderation and freedom of expression.
Recognizing the importance of government involvement, the survey encourages participation from relevant ministries or designated national authorities within each Member State. These entities are uniquely positioned to provide insights into national strategies, policies, and regulations related to misinformation and disinformation. Their contributions will be essential in understanding the diverse approaches taken by different countries and identifying best practices that can be shared and adapted globally. The consolidated information will help the UN in understanding the global state of play concerning national and regional efforts to address this growing threat to sustainable development.
The global survey, accessible at https://forms.office.com/e/x6qBNY6cXp, is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to all stakeholders. It is available in multiple languages to ensure broad participation and representation from different regions and linguistic communities. The DGC encourages all interested parties to contribute their expertise and experiences to this important initiative. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2025, providing ample time for thorough responses. The results of the survey will be compiled, analyzed, and shared publicly, forming a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working to combat misinformation and disinformation and safeguard the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. This collective effort will equip the international community with the necessary knowledge and tools to confront this contemporary challenge and pave the way for a more informed and equitable future.