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 crucial initiative to address the detrimental effects of misinformation and disinformation on the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As mandated by the Global Digital Compact, adopted by UN Member States earlier this year, the organization is conducting a comprehensive global survey to assess the extent of this impact and identify effective countermeasures. This survey, spearheaded by the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), aims to gather insights from a diverse range of stakeholders, including UN entities, Member States, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, and individual citizens. The survey will remain open until December 31, 2025, providing ample opportunity for participation and contribution. This initiative underscores the growing recognition of the insidious threat posed by misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the digital age, to achieving the ambitious goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Global Digital Compact, a landmark agreement reached by UN Member States in 2024, emphasizes the urgent need to address the challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the digital sphere. Action 35(e) of the Compact specifically calls for assessing the impact of this phenomenon on the SDGs and developing appropriate responses. The DGC, as the designated coordinating entity for this action, has taken the lead in designing and implementing the global survey, recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle this complex issue. The survey seeks to create a comprehensive repository of global efforts aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation, identify best practices and successful strategies, and pinpoint gaps in existing approaches. This information will serve as a foundation for developing future policy guidance and supporting Member States in their efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of false and misleading information on the SDGs.
Misinformation and disinformation have become pervasive in the digital landscape, often spreading rapidly through social media and online platforms, posing significant challenges to societies worldwide. The spread of false or misleading narratives can undermine trust in institutions, fuel social divisions, and hinder progress towards the SDGs across various sectors. From public health crises, where misinformation can impede vaccination efforts and exacerbate disease outbreaks, to environmental issues, where climate change denialism can obstruct climate action, the consequences can be far-reaching and detrimental. Furthermore, misinformation can erode democratic processes by manipulating public opinion, interfering with elections, and undermining trust in governance. The UN’s initiative to address this issue underscores the critical need for international cooperation and coordinated action.
The online survey, accessible through a dedicated link, invites participants to share their perspectives, experiences, and insights on the multifaceted impacts of misinformation and disinformation on the SDGs. It covers a wide range of topics, including the specific SDGs most affected, the types of misinformation and disinformation encountered, the effectiveness of existing countermeasures, and the role of different stakeholders in addressing this issue. The survey encourages contributions from diverse voices, recognizing that a comprehensive understanding of the problem requires input from various perspectives. Governments are invited to participate through their designated ministries or national authorities, ensuring a representative view of national efforts and priorities. The survey aims to capture a global snapshot of the current state of play and provide a solid foundation for future action.
The insights gathered from the survey will be crucial in informing policy recommendations and fostering collaborative action at all levels. By cataloging existing initiatives, best practices, and lessons learned, the UN aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and support Member States in developing effective strategies. Identifying gaps in current approaches will help prioritize areas where further research, resources, and international cooperation are needed. The survey also aims to highlight the critical role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing the complex challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation. By bringing together governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and individuals, the UN seeks to foster a collaborative approach to building a more resilient and trustworthy information ecosystem.
The UN’s global survey represents a significant step towards fulfilling the mandate of the Global Digital Compact and addressing the detrimental effects of misinformation and disinformation on sustainable development. By gathering diverse perspectives and fostering international cooperation, the UN aims to equip Member States and other stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to effectively combat this challenge. The outcomes of the survey will be instrumental in shaping future policy guidance, fostering collaboration, and accelerating progress towards achieving the SDGs in a world increasingly shaped by the flow of information. The UN emphasizes the importance of widespread participation in the survey, urging all relevant stakeholders to contribute their expertise and experiences to this vital initiative. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2025. The results of the survey are expected to be published in a comprehensive report, which will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working to address the global challenge of misinformation and disinformation.