In an era of rapid technological advancement, technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV) has emerged as a critical concern, disproportionately affecting women, girls, and marginalized communities. This global phenomenon encompasses various forms of violence, including cyberstalking, harassment, and digital abuse, which transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. The implications are profound, impacting victims' physical safety, emotional well-being, and their ability to participate fully in public and professional spaces. While national and global stakeholders are increasingly committed to combating TF-GBV, substantial work remains to prevent, address, and support those affected by this pervasive violence.

The Global Policy Dialogue held in Seoul on 19-20 November 2024, provided a vital platform for stakeholders to confront this pressing challenge and explore effective responses. During the dialogue, a compelling metaphor was introduced: TF-GBV is akin to a speeding train. This analogy captures not only the fast-evolving nature of the issue but also the difficulties we face in addressing it. However, it is not merely TF-GBV that resembles a train; rather, it is technology itself that is racing forward. The crucial question we must grapple with is: who is in the driver’s seat of this train? We cannot afford to leave the controls empty or, worse, hand them over to those who would exploit these advancements for harm.

Historically, a significant gap has existed between technological innovation and the normative, legal, and regulatory frameworks designed to address its implications. This gap has been exploited by corporations seeking profit and criminal entities leveraging new technologies for malicious purposes. From the rise of the internet to the emergence of artificial intelligence, each technological leap has presented both opportunities and challenges. One must ask ourselves: why are governments and civil society often left playing catch-up?

To effectively address these challenges, I propose three key actions:

1. Take back the driver’s seat. We must invest in enhancing the digital capabilities of governments and civil society while fostering a culture of foresight and preparedness. UNDP’s work in digital governance and foresight is critical in this context. We assist countries in preparing and harmonizing policy frameworks for digital governance and facilitate the adoption of mechanisms that ensure the highest possible digital standards, alongside capacity building. Our tailored recommendations for a smooth transition to digital platforms fully integrate human rights and gender equality principles. Additionally, UNDP's foresight and future initiatives empower governments to anticipate future challenges and opportunities, enabling proactive responses to emerging issues, including TF-GBV. By prioritizing these investments, we can reclaim the driver’s seat, developing strategies that not only keep pace with technological advancements but also empower individuals to combat TF-GBV effectively.

2. Ensure the driver is good. As frontline responders to TF-GBV, law enforcement agencies must first undergo gender mainstreaming. Strengthening governance and promoting gender equality within these organizations is essential. While the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and gender-based violence (GBV) are deeply interconnected, they are often viewed as separate issues. Supporting the digital capacity of police forces and other relevant institutions to respond to TF-GBV must align with efforts to enhance gender equality, accountability, and complaint mechanisms within these organizations. Only when law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions fully integrate gender equality and women's empowerment into their institutions can their responses to GBV be genuinely victim-centered and effective.

3. Build a safe railway system. The continuum between offline GBV and TF-GBV was a recurring theme during the policy dialogue, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to tackle the root causes of GBV, whether facilitated by technology or not. At the heart of TF-GBV lies the broader issue of GBV itself, with technology serving merely as a conduit for these harmful behaviors. As technology continues to advance, new risks and threats will also emerge. Therefore, we must invest in building a resilient society and system capable of addressing these evolving challenges. In addition to our efforts to combat TF-GBV, we should not stop but expand our ongoing work to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

In conclusion, the Global Policy Dialogue illuminated the urgent need for a proactive and whole-of-society approach to combat TF-GBV. By uniting our efforts, we can steer the train of technological advancement toward a future where safety, dignity, and respect are not just ideals but realities for all individuals. Let us not merely react to the challenges posed by technology; instead, let us take the wheel and drive meaningful change.

As we embark on this journey, the new phase of UNDP-KNPA collaboration on TF-GBV will integrate the invaluable lessons learned from this dialogue, strengthening our collective resolve to address this pressing issue. In this regard, USPC’s new partnership with Women’s Human Rights Institute of Korea (WHRIK), a government body responsible for providing specialized support to the survivors of TF-GBV in Korea, is also very timely and will enhance the comprehensiveness of our support. Together, we can create a world where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated, and everyone can thrive in a safe and equitable society. The time for action is now, and with our combined efforts, we can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.