In his Policy Brief “A Global Digital Compact — an Open, Free and Secure Digital Future for All,” and his “Roadmap for Digital Cooperation,” the UN Secretary-General recognizes the key role of Open Source solutions for the SDGs. Owing to its ability to overcome collective action related frictions and serving as a platform for governments, the United Nations is uniquely positioned to foster the better use of Open Source through governments.

The term Open Source applies beyond software and includes openly licensed content, data, standards and AI models that allow access for anyone to view, use and adapt them. These open solutions reinforce one another, creating increasingly open and accessible systems that have enormous capacity to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure the benefits of increased internet connectivity can be fully and equitably realised.

To facilitate the global adoption of Open Source solutions, the Office of the UN Secretarty-General's Envoy on Technology co-organizes the conference Open Source Programme Offices (OSPOs) for Good in 2023. The conference will return in July 2024.