DUBAI – 14 February 2025 

The United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Digital Dubai have launched the UN Citiverse Challenge, a pioneering initiative aimed at inspiring students and startups worldwide to design innovative solutions that leverage the transformative potential of the virtual worlds and digital public infrastructure to address pressing global challenges. The announcement was made during a high-level panel at the World Governments Summit, which convened global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and academic pioneers to shape the future of digital transformation.

The 1st UN Citiverse Challenge is co-organized by ITU, UNICC, the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO), World Intellectual Property Organization(WIPO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Bank Group, UN Tourism, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Digital Dubai, Open & Agile Smart Cities (OASC), the City of Tampere, the city of Valencia and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

AI-powered virtual environments have the potential to create dynamic ecosystems that empower communities, address global challenges, and foster strong economic and social growth by seamlessly integrating physical and digital realms. The UN Citiverse Challenge aims to serve as a platform for innovators to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence and immersive digital environments in three critical themes: access to public services, sustainability and resilience, and tourism and digital culture. The participants will develop bold ideas and prototypes to shape the cities of tomorrow.

There is enormous potential in harnessing AI and virtual worlds to tackle the world’s most complex challenges. However, we need the enthusiasm, creativity, and ideas of innovators worldwide. The UN Citiverse Challenge offers a great opportunity to shape innovative solutions through AI-powered virtual worlds. We look forward to broad participation from innovators around the world and across various sectors.

Sameer Chauhan, Director, UNICC

The challenge plays a key role within the “Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI – Discovering the Citiverse,” launched by ITU, UNICC, and Digital Dubai in 2024, bringing its vision to life by engaging innovators worldwide to develop AI-driven and virtual worlds solutions. During the first Executive Committee Meeting of this global platform on 10 February 2025, members approved a forward-looking mission and vision statement, envisioning a future where the seamless integration of AI and virtual worlds transforms the way we live, work, and connect.

Innovators entering our global competitions are creating tech solutions to improve lives in their communities and worldwide. Our Citiverse Challenge will keep connecting the next generation of tech leaders with new partners to make AI and virtual worlds even more meaningful to sustainable development.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, ITU

The UN Citiverse Challenge champions a transformative approach to urban innovation, harnessing digital public infrastructure alongside technologies such as AI, metaverse, digital twins, and open-source solutions to reimagine cities as inclusive, resilient, and sustainable hubs of progress. Aligned with the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, the initiative promotes the responsible use of emerging technologies to drive equitable and sustainable progress.

The launch of the UN Citiverse Challenge, in partnership with Digital Dubai and leading global organizations, reflects our shared commitment to harnessing AI and virtual worlds for global progress. The challenge serves as a catalyst for innovation and creative thinking, inspiring new ideas and visions that benefit humanity. We invite governments, industries, academia, and technology leaders to join this initiative and contribute to shaping the future of digital ecosystems, in alignment with the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai and Initiative Chair

The Challenge Award Ceremony will take place during the second edition of UN Virtual Worlds Day 2025 on 11-12 June 2025 in Turin, Italy. The award ceremony, co-organized with over 15 UN entities, will highlight practical applications of AI and virtual worlds, serving as a critical platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to explore how digital ecosystems can drive real-world impact.

For more information about the UN Citiverse Challenge, please visit: https://www.itu.int/metaverse/virtual-worlds/1st-un-citiverse-challenge/ 

Learn more about the UN Virtual Worlds Day and the Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI here: https://www.itu.int/metaverse/virtual-worlds