ITU and UNDP bring global community together to advance technology for good

​​​​Digital leaders from government, the private sector and civil society, including youth representatives, shared insights on how technology can be a force for good, for people and prosperity at Digital@UNGA 2025, a week-long series of activities during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

Digital@UNGA, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together thousands of participants through its Anchor Event at United Nations Headquarters and over 40 affiliate sessions hosted in New York, across the UN system and online around the world.

"My top takeaway from Digital@UNGA 2025 is the lasting power of digital to tackle our most urgent global challenges," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. "I was deeply inspired by the innovations we saw, the voices we heard from across the world, and the commitments made - all converging towards a digital future that truly works for everyone."

As the UN marks its 80^th anniversary, Digital@UNGA demonstrated how technology - including the latest innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing - can help transform individual lives and build global prosperity.

"Every day we see how digital innovation can accelerate sustainable development - from expanding access to health care and education to supporting livelihoods," said UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu. "But the story of digital is not about devices, platforms, or algorithms. It is about people - a world where technology connects rather than divides - driving development that leaves no one behind. This is the spirit of Digital@UNGA."

Committing to connectivity and AI skills

According to the SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda, issued by ITU and UNDP in 2023, more than two-thirds of the UN's targets for sustainable development can benefit directly from digital technologies.

To help bring these benefits to all, Microsoft announced a pledge at the Digital@UNGA Anchor Event to empower communities with future-ready AI skills and tools.

The pledge -made under ITU's Partner2Connect Digital Coalition (P2C) global pledging platform -​ is part of the new Microsoft Elevate initiative, which will help 20 million people earn an in-demand AI skilling credential over the next two years, backed by a USD 4 billion investment.

"AI presents a transformative opportunity to drive economic growth and societal progress, but only if its benefits are shared broadly and equitably," said Lisa Monaco, President of Global Affairs at Microsoft. "We are proud to do our part and also recognize this era requires the international community to come together to ensure everyone can participate in the AI economy."

The pledge announced at Digital@UNGA brings to over USD 80 billion the total mobilized through Partner2Connect toward its 2026 goal of USD 100 billion.

Also at the Anchor Event, ITU launched an initiative with Google and musician, tech founder and philanthropist will.i.am to bring AI and robotics training to underserved schools in Africa in coordination with the ITU-UNICEF Giga initiative, which supports governments to connect the world's schools.

Affiliate sessions and public voices highlight global digital action

Digital@UNGA 2025 builds on more than two decades of UN-led cooperation to advance digital development for the good of all - from the World Summit on the Information Society in 2003 and 2005 to last year's Global Digital Compact. By keeping digital cooperation at the centre of the international agenda, UNDP and ITU aim to ensure that technology-driven transformation delivers for everyone, everywhere.

Digital@UNGA 2025 affiliate sessions were hosted by a wide range of groups-including civil society, academia, industry, and international organizations-highlighting global efforts in digital cooperation. The sessions showcased diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to building a more connected digital future.

The global public also participated with Digital@UNGA through Digit'all Voices, an online campaign that took questions from across regions, generations and perspectives on how technology can advance inclusion, sustainability and prosperity.

Government and technology leaders at the Digital@UNGA anchor event addressed questions from the campaign in a session led by Indian actor Prajakta Koli, UNDP's Youth Climate Champion. Contributions will be featured on the campaign page.

Digital@UNGA activities were made possible by GSMA, Novartis Foundation, and Vodafone as Lead Supporters; Lenovo as Supporter; and Amazon, Google, IDB, Microsoft, and ZTE as Partner2Connect Champions.​

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Editor's notes:

• Learn more about Digital@UNGA 2025 here.
  

About ITU:

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation for people and the planet with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, civil society, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, ITU coordinates the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establishes international technology standards, drives universal connectivity and digital services, and is helping to make sure everyone benefits from sustainable digital transformation, including the most remote communities. From artificial intelligence (AI) to quantum, from satellites and submarine cables to advanced mobile and wireless broadband networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world and beyond. Learn more: www.itu.int ​​​

About UNDP:

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Supporting this global mission, the Digital, AI & Innovation (DAI) Hub brings together UNDP's cutting-edge capabilities across digital, data, AI, bottoms-up innovation, and systems transformation to improve the lives of those furthest behind. Through this integrated approach, UNDP drives dynamic and agile transformation at scale, helping to deliver both immediate solutions as well as long-term systems change in countries. Learn more at undp.org​ or follow @UNDPDigital. ​