Join the Universal DPI Safeguards Action Tracker

Background

For the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework to fully realize its impact, widespread adoption globally is crucial.

This includes integrating its principles and operational processes into the strategies, programmes, products, and implementations of governments, donors, multilaterals, civil society organizations, the private sector, and implementation partners. As momentum around Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) continues to grow — including through the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and national strategies — endorsement of the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework provides a mechanism for actors to make public, traceable commitments to safe and inclusive DPI, and to be held accountable for translating those commitments into changed practice.

How endorsement work

The Action Tracker is designed to help move endorsement from stated commitment to practical implementation, supporting visible progress in how DPI is designed, procured, implemented, and governed. To avoid 'safeguards-washing' and improve public accountability, endorsement is positioned as the first step in a structured journey towards implementation. The process must connect endorsement to observable, publicly tracked actions.

Ready to endorse the DPI Safeguards?

Step 1) Endorsement begins with a letter. Download our reference guide here to help write an endorsement letter.
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Step 2) Submit the endorsement letter by email to dpi-safeguards@un.org

Step 3) Once approved, the endorser will be invited to complete their profile for the public Action Tracker, where the endorsement letter will be posted.
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Objectives of the Action Tracker

• Create traceable public commitments that build political and institutional accountability for advancing safeguards in DPI implementation.

• Connect endorsement to action by publishing time-bound action plans in the public Action Tracker.

• Build a pipeline to deeper engagement by connecting organizations to support through the DPI Safeguards Accelerator, the Safeguards Collectives, funding pathways and more.

• Strengthen accountability and share learning by making the relationship between stated commitments and actual implementation transparent and publicly visible.

Why public endorsement matters

• Endorsement creates a public commitment that can be referenced in policy discussions, procurement processes, and multilateral negotiations. A public endorsement strengthens the endorser’s credibility and creates a reference point for consistency between stated commitment and subsequent action.

• Endorsement feeds the Action Tracker, the initiative's primary transparency mechanism, making each organization's commitments and progress visible to the broader DPI community, and creating a basis for peer learning and accountability among Member States and partners

• Endorsement opens a pathway to structured support and funding, creating tangible value for endorsing organizations.

Who can endorse?

• National authorities (ministries, regulators, DPI implementers)

• Multilateral and development organizations

• Technology companies and private sector entities building DPI

• Civil society organizations working on digital rights, inclusion, or governance

• Academic institutions

• Philanthropic funders

Endorsement declaration mechanism

The endorsement process is designed as a structured journey with three stages: commitment, action planning, and tracked implementation.

Step

Step 1: Letter of Endorsement

Description

Formal letter outlining concrete goals and integration plans, reviewed by DPI Safeguards Secretariat. (See the letter reference guide here)

Details

Letter template to include:
• Type of organization
• Country/region of operation
• Responsible authorities
• Key safeguard areas of focus
• A plan for integrating safeguards
• Named point of contact

Step

Step 2: Secretariat Review

Description

The Secretariat reviews the endorsement letter for alignment with the Framework and conducts a basic vetting process. The Secretariat may request clarification or revision before approval.

Details

Approved entities are featured on the DPI Safeguards website with their logo and a summary of commitments.

Action tracking

Progress is tracked through the Action Tracker.

Mechanism

Action Tracker

Description

Public-facing tracker that displays each endorser’s action plan, milestone status, partner organizations, and evidence of progress.

Details

Design underway with active feedback from International Organizations via the International Organizations Consultative Group (IOCG). Dashboard to be hosted on the DPI Safeguards website.

Mechanism

Status Management

Description

The Tracker distinguishes between endorsement (stated commitment) and implementation progress (observable action).

Details

Statuses: Endorsed → Action Plan Published → In Progress → Demonstrating Impact.

If no action plan is published within 3 months: “Pending Action.”
If no update is received within 12 months following a reminder: status can be revoked.

Mechanism

Inputs and plan validations

Description

All content submitted by endorsing organizations (action plan, documents, deliverables) must be publicly available on endorser official channels (e.g. website, social media channels).

Details