Who we are
About UN ODET
Advancing Global Cooperation on Digital and Emerging Technologies for a Better Future
Technological innovation is advancing at velocity and transcending borders, creating a landscape where challenges and opportunities are increasingly shared. To harness this potential, global cooperation must be as dynamic and interconnected as technology itself.
The UN’s Connector, Catalyst, and Convener
As the UN’s Connector, Catalyst, and Convener, we mobilize the full depth of the multilateral system, aligning diverse technical mandates with the strategic priorities of Member States. By reducing duplication, we maximize the system’s collective impact, turning the promise of innovation into progress for all.
01
Connector
Mobilizing the full depth of the multilateral system.
02
Catalyst
Turning digital commitments into impact on the ground.
03
Convener
Aligning diverse technical mandates with the strategic priorities of Member States.
The Challenge: Bridging the Digital and AI Divide
Digital and emerging technologies hold vast potential for social and economic transformation, from precision agriculture to healthcare. Yet a widening divide threatens to leave resource-constrained nations behind. Without targeted capacity-building, these countries risk becoming mere consumers of technology designed elsewhere. This limits local economic growth and risks embedding bias into the technologies that will shape our collective future.
What We Do: Our Strategic Mandate
The United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UN ODET) was established by the General Assembly on 1 January 2025 through Resolution A/RES/79/258 to advance inclusive, rights-based and multi-stakeholder digital cooperation that respects national priorities and contexts. We also serve as the United Nations system-wide focal point for digital issues.
1
Advise Senior Leadership on Technology Trends
We advise UN senior leadership on key technology trends, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and emerging technologies, to guide and coordinate the Organization’s strategic approach. By conducting dedicated policy research and analysis, we ensure the UN remains responsive to the implications of rapid technological change and effectively harnesses technology for development.
2
Advocate for Digital Cooperation
We serve as the UN’s advocate and focal point for digital cooperation. Through high-level engagement with Member States, the technology industry, academia, and civil society, we foster partnerships and accelerate the implementation of Member State decisions.
3
Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Policy Dialogue
We facilitate inclusive policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies. Our work supports intergovernmental processes, promotes Member State cooperation, and strengthens existing bodies, such as the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), to foster a common understanding of critical issues like data and AI governance.
4
Strengthen System-Wide Coordination
We strengthen coordination within and across the UN system to leverage synergies and avoid duplication. By facilitating system-wide mechanisms and joint programming opportunities, such as the Digital Cooperation Fund, we maximize the collective impact of the UN’s diverse entities.
5
Support the Global Digital Compact (GDC)
We support the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact. This includes preparing implementation maps, tracking progress on endorsements, and ensuring alignment with related processes, such as the WSIS+20 review.
Location
United Nations
United Nations Headquarters, New York, Geneva and Valencia