A new UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies

1 January 2025 - As of 1 January 2025, the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology will transition to a new UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET). This historic development flows from a decision by the UN General Assembly on 24 December 2024, following the adoption of the Global Digital Compact at the Summit of the Future in September 2024.

With a strengthened mandate, ODET will help the UN address more effectively the opportunities and challenges posed by today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. A key focus for the Office will be supporting the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact, including its decisions on AI governance.

The establishment of ODET reflects the growing importance of a coordinated, inclusive and multistakeholder approach to the governance of technologies anchored in the UN Charter, human rights, and the sustainable development agenda.

ODET will act across five strategic areas to: a) Serve as advocate and focal point for digital cooperation in the UN for Member States and stakeholders; b) Facilitate inclusive, multistakeholder policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies; c) Advise senior UN leadership on key technology trends so as to guide the strategic approach taken by the Organization on such issues; d) Strengthen system-wide coordination within and across the UN system on digital and emerging technologies; and e) Support the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact.