Unlocking sustainable human development potential using cyberspace resources and diplomacy

Abstract

Cyberspace is adding value to the way people socialize, communicate and collaborate. For the first time in civilizations, the global community has a platform on which to act as a single body-politic using the cyberspace platform-based resources. This research examines the opportunities in human development presented by Information & Communication Technologies in a timeline dominated by multiple convergences. In the timeline, human development adopted a new set of ideals in sustainable development, and contemporary diplomacy matured into a formidable force for creating a conducive environment in a globalized society. Additionally, digital media blossomed to avail a plethora of resources to confront the challenges evolving in society. The cybermedia era is in contrast to the preceding mass media era which empowered media moguls, wealthy elites and governments. Instead, cybermedia brought soft power to the masses and potential to serve their common good. Thus, turf wars exist in contemporary society for soft power between the masses and power mongers who include those seeking to maintain the old status quo. The research delves into cyber-sovereignty and internet governance to explore solutions towards equitability in power and wealth. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will undergird human development for the next fifteen years, taking over from MDGs at the end of 2015. Both these agenda, which were meticulously crafted by diplomats, reflect a global willingness to develop as an ecosystem. Thus, the research will also examine nuances in cyberspace that threaten to derail or delay benefits of SDGs. The research foreshadows the unlocking of sustainable human development potential through improving, protecting and upholding the global utility value of cyberspace resources. Friction from abuse of cyberspace-based resources has the potential to culminate in a revolution or global conflict making it imperative for the civilization to exploit only the positive utility. Diplomacy must intercede to circumvent potential conflict within society emanating from the “dark side” of cyberspace resources. In this regard multilateral diplomacy in particular is deemed invaluable, including the institution of the United Nations (UN) in which human civilization has invested significant resources to avoid conflict and uphold sovereignty.