Symposium on Digital International Order Developments through 2030 and Outlook to 2045, held on September 27, 2024, at Viet Nam's Diplomatic Academy.

The symposium attracted over 50 participants, including leaders, experts, scholars, and researchers from various governmental units, think tanks, and research institutions. Attendees represented organizations such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Science and Technology, Viet Nam Petroleum Institute, Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology, and Viet Nam National University, Hanoi (VNU).

In her introductory remarks, Dr. Pham Lan Dung, Acting President of DAV, highlighted the significant influence of digital technology trends on the international order. She noted the growing global interest in these trends and the digital order, citing the United Nations General Assembly's recent adoption of a Pact for the Future, which incorporates the Global Digital Compact. Dr. Pham Lan Dung also mentioned that major nations have introduced new technological initiatives. Furthermore, she acknowledged the challenges in assessing and predicting technology development trends for the next 10-15 years, given the anticipated complexity and unpredictability of the global situation in the coming years.

Sharing Dr. Dung’s opinion, Dr. Nguyen Viet Lam, Senior Specialist of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Project "Forecasting the World Situation to 2030 and Implications for Viet Nam" said that the US-China strategic technology competition has deeply affected the change and shaping of the international order, including the digital international order.

Dr. Nguyen Viet Lam, representing the research team, presented findings on three potential scenarios for the evolution of the digital international order. The most probable scenario envisions a bipolar system divided between the West and East, led by the United States and China. A moderately likely scenario suggests a multipolar technological order dominated by tech corporations, which would shape ideological, political, and economic activities. The least likely scenario proposes a US-led technological hegemony, imposing its order globally.

Experts and researchers offered diverse perspectives on the formation of the international digital order and related issues. Discussions centered on the future order's content, characteristics, and challenges. Some participants noted that major countries and leading tech firms currently dominate the digital landscape, resulting in a widening technological divide between developed and developing nations, as well as between the Global North and Global South. This imbalance raises concerns about developing countries' dependence on digital technologies controlled by major powers.

Additionally, emerging issues pose challenges to technological advancement and the shaping of the international digital order. These include divergent views among international actors on applying digital technology to address global challenges like climate change and disease surveillance. There is also a growing risk of disagreement, competition, and potential conflict between major powers regarding the imposition of cyberspace sovereignty.

In addition, laws and international treaties on digital technology have not been completed or promoted consistently, and there are many differences in the interpretation and application of international law in cyberspace. Currently, only the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights is directly related to the digital field. The United Nations recently adopted the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime.

Recommendations for Viet Nam

As the global digital landscape continues to evolve, numerous representatives have underscored the challenges confronting Viet Nam. The nation must maintain its focus on digital transformation as a crucial step forward while bolstering its strategic independence and technological self-reliance. Additionally, Viet Nam should broaden its diplomatic endeavors in the realms of digital technology, science, innovation, and technology as key components of its development-oriented foreign policy. Furthermore, it is crucial for Viet Nam to capitalize on technological and digital transformation proposals from major nations. Lastly, the country should strengthen its regulatory and policy framework, while fostering research and assessment initiatives to help solidify Viet Nam's position in the regional and global digital technology development sphere./.

Khanh Trong