The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have called for wider participation from governments, businesses, civil society and individuals in shaping the future of digital technology as artificial intelligence accelerates the pace of technological change.
The call was made at Digital@UNGA 2026, a multistakeholder platform convened annually alongside the United Nations General Assembly in New York to promote digital cooperation, innovation and inclusion.
This year’s programme, organised by the ITU and UNDP, is centred on the theme of a “Digit’all Future”, with emphasis on ensuring that people are not only beneficiaries of digital transformation but also have a role in determining how technology develops and is used.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general of the ITU, said the rapid development of AI made it increasingly important for a wider range of voices to participate in decisions shaping the digital environment.
“Our shared digital future is being built right now, with AI accelerating the pace of change. Our task is to ensure that more voices help shape it,” she said.
According to Bogdan-Martin, Digital@UNGA is intended to highlight initiatives that are turning technological innovation and digital inclusion into practical action, while expanding people’s opportunities to participate in and benefit from technology.
The programme is structured around three areas: innovation, inclusion and cooperation. The organisers said these areas are intended to encourage solutions to real-world challenges, strengthen people’s agency to participate in the digital economy and build the collective capabilities required to manage technological change.
The initiative comes as governments and businesses globally grapple with the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence, alongside persistent gaps in access to digital infrastructure, skills and services.
At the Digital@UNGA Anchor Event held at UN headquarters on Monday, participants included Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium, government ministers, civil society representatives and corporate leaders. Hollywood actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Big Ocean, described by organisers as K-pop’s first hearing-impaired group, also featured at the event.
The organisers said the diversity of participants reflected the platform’s emphasis on ensuring that different groups have a role in shaping the digital future.
The event also featured the inaugural Digital@UNGA Awards, which recognised digital initiatives, policies, partnerships and leaders working on inclusive and people-centred technology.
The awards covered four categories: digital frontiers, digital inclusion, digital government and digital pioneers.
