The Digital@UNGA 2026 platform, co-organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a call to action for all sectors and individuals to contribute to a more inclusive digital future. This initiative coincides with the United Nations General Assembly and aims to bring together various stakeholders to shape the future of digital technology. The event emphasizes the importance of collective action to ensure that the benefits of digital technology are accessible to all.
The flagship event of Digital@UNGA 2026, held at the UN headquarters, featured a diverse range of speakers, including Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium, ministers, civil society representatives, and business leaders. The event also showcased the participation of Hollywood actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Big Ocean, a K-pop group composed of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use assistive tools and technologies to perform. This diversity of speakers reflects the platform's principle that everyone should contribute to shaping the digital future.
According to ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the digital future is being shaped now, with artificial intelligence accelerating the pace of change. The mission of Digital@UNGA is to ensure that more voices contribute to shaping this future. The platform highlights partners who are transforming innovation and inclusion into concrete actions, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build and benefit from technology.
Digital@UNGA 2026 also includes the Digital@UNGA Affiliates program, which comprises independent events organized and led by partners who share a common commitment to building a more inclusive, reliable, and people-centered digital world. These events aim to promote dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technology.
The ITU and UNDP have emphasized the importance of collective action to address the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of digital technology are accessible to all. The platform provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences, expertise, and perspectives on how to shape the future of digital technology. By working together, participants aim to create a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape.
The Digital@UNGA 2026 platform recognizes that the digital future is not just about technology, but also about people and their needs. The initiative seeks to promote a people-centered approach to digital development, one that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and social responsibility. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, Digital@UNGA 2026 aims to create a more sustainable and equitable digital future.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for collective action to shape the digital future has never been more pressing. Digital@UNGA 2026 provides a critical platform for stakeholders to engage in dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of digital technology are shared by all. The initiative's emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and social responsibility reflects a commitment to creating a better digital future for all.
Key points
- Digital@UNGA 2026 aims to promote a more inclusive digital future by bringing together diverse voices and perspectives.
- The initiative emphasizes the importance of collective action to address the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of digital technology are accessible to all.
- Digital@UNGA 2026 promotes a people-centered approach to digital development, prioritizing inclusivity, accessibility, and social responsibility.
