Advancing Global Digital Cooperation and AI Innovation Across the UN System
Digital technologies and AI are increasingly shaping economic development, governance, and international cooperation. As these technologies expand rapidly, international organizations are working to ensure that innovation is accompanied by responsible governance, inclusive access, and coordinated global policies.
Initiatives within the United Nations System
Within the United Nations system, a range of initiatives aim to strengthen cooperation on digital transformation and the development of AI. These efforts address issues such as digital infrastructure, data governance, technological innovation, and equitable participation in emerging digital ecosystems. International collaboration plays an essential role in ensuring that the benefits of digital technologies support sustainable development while reducing global inequalities in access to digital resources.
Global Digital Compact
The Global Digital Compact is a comprehensive international framework adopted by United Nations member states to guide global digital cooperation and enhance the governance of AI. Negotiated by the 193 member states, it reflects broad consultations aimed at shaping a shared vision for a digital future that is open, inclusive, safe, and secure for all.
At its core, the Compact seeks to address persistent digital divides by promoting universal connectivity, affordable access, and inclusive participation in the digital economy. Governments and stakeholders have committed to:
- Connecting all individuals, schools, and hospitals to the internet.
- Increasing investment in digital public infrastructure.
- Ensuring technologies are accessible in diverse languages and formats.
The Compact also emphasizes human rights and the protection of fundamental freedoms in the digital space, calling for strengthened legal and policy frameworks that uphold international law and protect users from harms such as misinformation and discrimination.
Independent International Scientific Panel on AI
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI is a mechanism established within the Global Digital Compact to support evidence-based policymaking in AI governance. Member states requested the establishment of a multi-disciplinary panel under the United Nations to:
- Assess the opportunities, risks, and societal impacts of AI.
- Promote scientific understanding across geographic and sectoral divides.
This panel aims to contribute robust, independent scientific analysis to global AI discussions, ensuring that policy decisions are grounded in research rather than short-term market pressures.
UN Digital Cooperation Portal
The UN Digital Cooperation Portal is designed to support the implementation of the Global Digital Compact by mapping global digital cooperation activities and facilitating coordination among diverse stakeholders. Launched in December 2025, the portal aggregates initiatives across thematic areas, including digital inclusion, AI governance, and the protection of human rights online.
Closing the Language Gap in AI
Language diversity remains a major challenge in global AI development. The Local Language Accelerators programme addresses this challenge by supporting the creation of digital language resources for underrepresented languages. Initiatives are underway across four continents to create new datasets that can be reused for future AI systems.
Using Satellite Imagery for Disaster Response
The SKAI platform, developed by the World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator, uses AI-based computer vision to analyze satellite imagery and identify damaged buildings automatically. This platform enables humanitarian organizations to prioritize rescue operations within the critical first seventy-two hours after a disaster.
UN Women AI School
The UN Women AI School aims to increase participation in AI development by providing training programmes designed for policymakers and young innovators. This initiative has engaged over three thousand participants since its launch, promoting AI literacy and broader participation in shaping the future of digital technologies.
Responsible AI in Satellite Technologies
AI technologies are increasingly integrated into satellite systems, raising governance challenges related to transparency and accountability. Experts from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs have proposed a framework promoting the responsible use of AI in space technologies.
Assessing National Readiness for AI Governance
UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology helps governments evaluate their capacity to adopt and regulate AI technologies responsibly. This methodology has been implemented in over seventy countries, contributing to the development of national AI strategies.
AI for Good Initiative
The International Telecommunication Union coordinates the AI for Good initiative, focusing on applying AI technologies to global challenges while strengthening international cooperation in governance and standards.
AI Tools Supporting Refugee Entrepreneurship
AI technologies are being utilized to support economic opportunities for displaced populations. The United Nations Refugee Agency has developed an AI-powered virtual assistant to help refugees and asylum seekers transform business ideas into structured business plans.
Promoting Responsible Innovation in AI
The rapid expansion of AI technologies brings security challenges. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs fosters responsible innovation practices to ensure that AI technologies are developed with consideration for global peace and security.
UN 2.0 Communities of Practice
The UN 2.0 Communities of Practice enhance knowledge sharing and collaboration across the UN system, connecting over 18,000 practitioners from more than 160 countries. These thematic groups support peer engagement and collaborative problem-solving, promoting inclusive digital governance.
