UN Launches Global Survey to Combat Misinformation and Disinformation Hindering Sustainable Development Goals
NEW YORK, NY (October 26, 2024) – The United Nations has embarked on a significant initiative to address the detrimental impact of misinformation and disinformation on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of the Global Digital Compact, adopted by UN Member States in 2024, Action 35e mandates an assessment of how the spread of false or misleading information hinders progress towards these global goals. The UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), leading the charge on this critical endeavor, has launched a comprehensive online survey to gather insights and perspectives from a diverse range of stakeholders. This survey, accessible globally, will remain open until December 31, 2025, providing ample opportunity for participation and contribution.
The SDGs, a collection of 17 interconnected goals designed to address pressing global challenges like poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, and inequality, are the cornerstone of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The pervasive nature of misinformation and disinformation, often amplified by digital platforms and social media, poses a significant threat to achieving these goals. False or misleading information can erode public trust in institutions, undermine evidence-based policymaking, fuel social divisions, and incite violence, ultimately hindering progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Global Digital Compact, a landmark agreement aimed at shaping a more inclusive and equitable digital future, explicitly calls for an assessment of the impact of misinformation and disinformation on the SDGs. The UN DGC, tasked with coordinating this assessment, has developed a comprehensive survey designed to gather input from UN entities, Member States, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, and individual experts. The survey aims to create a comprehensive overview of current efforts, identify successful strategies, pinpoint existing gaps, and inform future policy guidance to effectively counter the negative effects of misinformation.
The survey explores various facets of the misinformation challenge, including its impact on specific SDGs, the effectiveness of existing countermeasures, the role of different stakeholders, and the need for enhanced international cooperation. It delves into the specific challenges posed by disinformation within different contexts, including political discourse, public health emergencies, and environmental debates. The survey also seeks to identify best practices and successful initiatives in combating misinformation and promoting media literacy. By gathering a wide range of perspectives and experiences, the survey aims to provide a rich evidence base for developing targeted and effective strategies.
The findings from the survey will be instrumental in shaping future policy recommendations and guiding the development of effective interventions. The data collected will be analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and areas where further research and action are needed. The results will be synthesized into a comprehensive report that will be shared with UN Member States and other relevant stakeholders. This report will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working to address the complex challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age. It will also contribute to ongoing discussions on how to strengthen international cooperation and develop a more coordinated global response.
The UN encourages widespread participation in this crucial initiative. All stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and individuals, are invited to contribute their expertise and insights by completing the online survey, accessible at https://forms.office.com/e/x6qBNY6cXp, before the deadline of December 31, 2025. The collective efforts of the global community are essential to effectively combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation and safeguard the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, paving the way for a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful future for all. The UN emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in this process and encourages active participation from all sectors of society.