UNICC joined paramount discussions on digital cooperation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for good during the world’s leading high-level events last week, contributing its expertise in providing digital and cybersecurity solutions for the UN system. The WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event 2024 is a crucial platform for global leaders and experts to review the progress of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process and chart a path forward for digital development and cooperation. Similarly, the AI for Good event highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in achieving sustainable development goals.
WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event 2024
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) marks its 20th anniversary in 2024 with a high-level event aimed at assessing progress and setting the future agenda for digital cooperation. The WSIS+20 Forum, held from 27 to 31 May 2024, brought together global leaders to discuss critical issues and opportunities in the digital landscape.
Throughout the event, UNICC participated in several key sessions, contributing its expertise and insights to discussions on various aspects of digital cooperation and innovation. These sessions included:
UN Leaders Dialogue on the Progress and Future of Digital Cooperation Session
On 27 May 2024, UNICC Director Sameer Chauhan participated in the UN Leaders Dialogue on the Progress and Future of Digital Cooperation. This session brought together UN leaders to present their respective mandates within the WSIS process and their perspectives on leveraging digital technologies for development. During the session, Mr. Chauhan emphasized the key internal capacities the UN system should prioritize for future digital cooperation. He highlighted three essential areas:
- UN Digital Goods: Developing shared digital assets to enhance collaboration and efficiency across UN organizations.
- Building Modern Data Expertise: Strengthening data analytics and management capabilities to drive informed decision-making.
- Cybersecurity: Ensuring robust security measures to protect digital infrastructure and sensitive information.
Chauhan also underscored the significant role of UNICC in these areas, noting that for over 50 years, UNICC has been a cornerstone in developing digital and cybersecurity solutions for the UN family and other multilateral organizations. UNICC’s efforts provide a digital foundation that enables UN organizations to build and deploy their solutions and services effectively.
UNICC works towards a digital foundation that responds quickly to technological changes, supported by world-class cybersecurity services, and tailored to the unique needs of the United Nations. A solid digital foundation upon which the UN family can lead by example in digital transformation and cooperation.
Sameer Chauhan, Director, UNICC
DPI High-Level Session
During the DPI High-Level Session on 27 May 2024, UNICC Director joined country representatives from various regions to share insights on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) implementation. The session focused on how global frameworks can accelerate DPI implementation at scale. Chauhan highlighted UNICC’s contributions to developing and deploying scalable digital infrastructure solutions that facilitate sustainable development and digital inclusion.
Blockchain and Biometric-based Digital Identity Solution Session
On 29 May 2024, Dimitra Ralli, UNICC Programme Director (OIC) of the UN Digital ID Programme, participated in a session on blockchain and biometric-based digital identity solutions. This session showcased two innovative solutions developed with UNICC’s support: the UNJSPF Digital Certificate of Entitlement and the United Nations Digital ID mobile solutions. These initiatives demonstrate UNICC’s leadership in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance identity verification processes and streamline operations within the UN system.
In her presentation, Ms. Ralli highlighted the UN Digital ID mobile solution, a transformative advancement in personal data management for United Nations personnel. Scheduled for launch in June 2024, this groundbreaking tool holds the promise of bolstering data integrity and streamlining information exchange throughout the UN ecosystem.
AI for Good 2024 Summit
In addition to its active engagement at the WSIS+20 Forum, UNICC also participated in the AI for Good 2024 Summit. This event focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bridging the gap between AI innovators and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors to scale AI solutions globally. UNICC showcased its AI-driven initiatives in various sessions, highlighting how these technologies support multiple UN agencies in their mission to create a better world through advanced technological solutions.
Over 400 projects run by the UN system using #AIforGood are compiled in this @ITU report: https://t.co/UBa7CjeyId
— UNICC (@unicc_ict) June 3, 2024
Here’s a thread of some of them with the support of UNICC. 🧵⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ffRsS25aTE
