World Day of Digital Solidarity: What It Is, Its Purpose and Why It Matters

What is the World Day of Digital Solidarity?

The World Day of Digital Solidarity is an international initiative that promotes the use of technology to strengthen collaboration, mutual support, knowledge sharing and the building of more human‑centred communities in digital spaces.

It aims to raise awareness about the ethical, responsible and solidarity‑driven use of the internet, social media, digital platforms and communication technologies, prioritising collective well‑being over individual interests.

This observance was proclaimed on 6 June 2023 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, during the 12th International Congress of Tourism Journalists and Professionals, hosted by the World Organization of Tourism Journalism (Organización Mundial de Periodismo Turístico, OMPT), alongside multiple academic, journalistic and professional organisations from various countries.

Why was the World Day of Digital Solidarity created?

The expansion of digital technologies has transformed how people work, learn, communicate and create opportunities. Nevertheless, it has also laid bare challenges including disinformation, online violence, technological exclusion and irresponsible information usage.

Against this backdrop, the World Day of Digital Solidarity offers an alternative vision: technology achieves its greatest value when it reinforces human connections.

The initiative fosters a digital culture rooted in cooperation, empathy, respect, honesty and knowledge exchange.

What is Digital Solidarity for?

Digital Solidarity promotes practices that advance collective development through technological tools.

Its core objectives include:

• Encouraging collaboration between individuals and organisations

• Disseminating social, educational, scientific and cultural projects

• Facilitating access to high‑quality information

• Promoting ethical use of social media

• Building safer, more respectful digital communities

• Reducing gaps in knowledge and opportunities

• Strengthening local and international support networks

Who can take part?

Digital Solidarity is open to any individual or organisation that uses technological tools to create positive impact.

Common participants include:

Journalists, teachers, students, entrepreneurs, social organisations, educational institutions, businesses, governments, content creators and citizens committed to social transformation.

It is not limited to any specific industry or region. Its principles apply universally across all countries, languages and digital platforms.

Foundational Principles of Digital Solidarity

The framework rests on values applicable to all technological environments:

Cooperation, Respect, Inclusion, Honesty, Access to Knowledge, Digital Responsibility, Empathy, Collective Construction.

These principles turn technology into an instrument for human development, rather than merely a medium for communication or entertainment.

Examples of Digital Solidarity in practice

Digital Solidarity can be realised through many concrete actions:

• Sharing verified information that benefits others

• Promoting social‑impact ventures and projects

• Delivering free training via virtual platforms

• Collaborating within international professional networks

• Launching educational or solidarity campaigns on social media

• Providing technological resources to underserved communities

• Creating digital spaces built on respect and inclusion

What makes Digital Solidarity different from other initiatives?

Digital Solidarity does not focus solely on technology access. Its primary goal is to nurture a culture of collaboration through mindful use of digital tools.

While some programmes concentrate on technological infrastructure, Digital Solidarity centres on human relationships forged by that technology.

Therefore it can be applied to educational projects, news media, enterprises, social organisations and virtual communities alike.

Key quotes on Digital Solidarity

"Technology generates greater value when it strengthens cooperation among people."

"Digital Solidarity turns technological tools into instruments of human development."

"Ethically sharing knowledge is one of the most powerful forms of solidarity in the digital age."

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Digital Solidarity mean?

It means using technology to help others, collaborate, share knowledge and deliver collective benefits in an ethical and responsible manner.

Who founded the World Day of Digital Solidarity?

The initiative was spearheaded by Miguel Ledhesma and proclaimed by the World Organization of Tourism Journalism together with multiple international organisations during a congress held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

When is it celebrated?

It is observed annually on 6 June.

Is it exclusive to the tech sector?

No. It can be celebrated by individuals, organisations, educational institutions, media outlets, companies and communities from all fields.

How can an organisation participate?

By carrying out digital cooperation activities, sharing knowledge, advocating good online practices, or developing projects that bring benefits to others through technological tools.

Why is it important?

Because it nurtures a digital culture grounded in human values, helps build more collaborative communities and encourages responsible use of technology.

Summary

The World Day of Digital Solidarity is an international initiative promoting ethical, responsible and collaborative use of technology. Its purpose is to strengthen human bonds in digital environments, boost knowledge exchange and foster inclusive, respectful communities committed to collective well‑being. This framework can be adopted in any country, industry or digital platform, serving as a permanent mechanism to build a people‑centred digital culture.