By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening
global digital cooperation aimed at accelerating digital transformation and
ensuring inclusive access to emerging technologies.
The
two organizations convened a joint briefing for UN Member States, hosted by
UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo and ITU Secretary-General Doreen
Bogdan-Martin, focusing on the role of inter-agency collaboration in advancing
national digital development priorities.
The
briefing highlighted ongoing joint efforts across key areas including digital
public infrastructure, artificial intelligence capacity development,
connectivity expansion, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.
According
to the UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Hub (Accelerator Labs), the partnership
between UNDP and ITU continues to expand through a growing portfolio of
initiatives designed to support countries in implementing practical digital
solutions on the ground.
The
discussions emphasized the importance of coordinated international action in
addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological
change, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence and the digital
economy.
Attention
was also drawn to upcoming global platforms such as the AI for Good Summit, the
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum, and Digital@UNGA 2026,
where digital transformation priorities are expected to remain central to
global policy discussions.
UNDP
noted that new approaches such as “Expertise on Demand” are being developed to
enhance technical support to countries and strengthen their capacity to design
and implement effective digital strategies.
The
organization reiterated its commitment to working with UN agencies and global
partners to ensure that digital transformation is inclusive, equitable and
aligned with national development goals.
The
briefing forms part of broader efforts within the UN system to deepen
cooperation and accelerate progress toward a more connected and digitally
empowered global society.
