UNICC is proud to be a participant in the Geneva-based Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Geneva-based collaboration space for technology governance, policy and innovation towards digital growth across the UN family.
Geneva Internet Platform – ‘where technology meets humanity’
Initiated by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) of Switzerland in 2014, GIP provides a neutral and inclusive space for digital policy debates, recognized by many global stakeholders as a platform where different views can be voiced.
Striving to conduct outreach beyond existing policy silos in technology, security, and human rights research spheres, GIP supports and reinforces opportunities for collaboration between sectors, initiatives and institutions across the technology sector.
Diplo Education Foundation – global diplomacy at its best
The GIP is operated by Diplo Education Foundation, which works to improve the role of small and developing states in global diplomacy and the capacity of international development in the field of Internet governance and digital policy. They do this by training officials through online courses, workshops and simulation exercises; developing capacity on Internet governance, cybersecurity, data, artificial intelligence, and other emerging tech issues; and promoting and developing digital tools for inclusive and impactful governance and policy-making.
Digital Atlas 2.0 – Digital policy and services inventory for Geneva
The GIP launched the Geneva Digital Atlas in November 2020, as a comprehensive mapping of the digital policy scene in International Geneva. It provides in-depth coverage of the activities of almost 40 stakeholders, also featuring tours combining virtual and physical experiences in dealing with standardization, data, cybersecurity, and other pressing issues.
The Digital Atlas 2.0, includes Geneva-based organizations such as Child Rights Connect, CERN, the CyberPeace Institute, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Geneva Science-Policy Interface, ICT for Peace Foundation, International Organization for Standardization, IFRC, IGF, Kofi Annan Foundation, UNHRC, UNIDRI, UNRISD, The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, University of Geneva, WEF, as well as UNICC and many of its Clients: ILO, IPU, ITC, IOM, ITU, OCHA, OHCHR, UNCTAD, UNECE, UNHCR, UNOG, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO and many more.
UNICC contribution
UNICC was included in 2020 and was invited again to participate in 2022. See the UNICC entry here. As a key stakeholder in the technology ecosystem in Geneva, UNICC was a logical participant in the Digital Atlas 2.0. The Atlas showcases Geneva-based organizations regarding the impact of technology and the implementation of the SDGs.
The GIP and its Digital Atlas 2.0 is used by Swiss authorities to highlight the digital importance of Geneva to the UN system and the world in general. GIP continues to deliver their mapping as a leading, know-how database of digital activity in the Geneva ecosystem. As a Swiss supported foundation, Diplo’s long-term aspirations strive to maintain and extend upon Geneva’s existing and thriving tech-ecosystem.
As UNICC is currently positioned as a preferred operational and shared services Centre of Excellence for the UN system, its placed in the Digital Atlas is secure and remains an opportunity to continue its outreach and advocacy efforts to work with others in delivering on UN system mandates. UNICC, as a participant in the Digital Atlas 2.0, is committed to delivering reliable digital services driven by best practices, offering world-class technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a system-wide cross-domain experience of knowledge and data, enabling its Clients and Partners Organizations to achieve their Sustainable Development Goals.
