Who we are
Key milestones
Explore key milestones in the evolution of United Nations digital cooperation and the establishment of the Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies.
2018
UN digital cooperation mandate established
The Secretary-General convenes the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation, followed by the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation in 2020, to strengthen cooperation in the digital space and address the opportunities and risks presented by digital technologies.
2021
Global Digital Compact proposed
The Secretary-General’s report Our Common Agenda calls for a Global Digital Compact to establish shared principles for a digital future.
2023
High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence convened
The Secretary-General convenes the High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, which works through 2024 to undertake analysis and propose recommendations for international cooperation on artificial intelligence.
2024
Global Digital Compact adopted
The General Assembly adopts the Global Digital Compact at the Summit of the Future, establishing a comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and artificial intelligence, including commitments related to digital public goods, digital public infrastructure, digital transformation, and open source technologies.
2025
Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies established
The Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology transitions to the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies following a decision by the United Nations General Assembly.
Artificial intelligence governance mechanisms established
The General Assembly establishes the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance. The Secretary-General issues a report on innovative voluntary financing options for AI capacity-building.
2026
Artificial intelligence governance mechanisms operationalized
The Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence issues its Preliminary Report, providing a common scientific starting point for the first Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance, held in Geneva on 6–7 July 2026. The second annual Dialogue will take place in New York on 3–4 May 2027, informed by the Panel’s next annual report.