Principles

Principles are core propositions that form the foundation of a flexible, universal framework that guides the effective functioning of a DPI. The purpose of DPI is to maximize participation, agency and trust for all individuals. This implies that the risks described in the previous sections need to be mitigated, and residual risks need to be managed in the context of each country’s sociopolitical environment. To achieve this, all responsible authorities should be guided by a set of principles to ensure trust and coordinated responses throughout the DPI life cycle. These principles form a common language that helps to build mutual understanding and support ongoing cooperation.

The principles listed in the Framework are shaped by various research methods, including consultations with diverse stakeholders, a review of secondary resources, case study analysis and discussions with country-based implementers. As the DPI landscape evolves, these principles should be periodically reviewed and updated.

The principles are divided into two categories: (1) foundational and (2) operational. The former refers to principles that should serve as the basis for any DPI, while the latter refers to principles that come into play at an operational level and may vary across contexts.