The global push for digital development is increasingly focusing on making technology affordable and accessible while giving people the skills needed to participate in the digital economy.
This was a major focus at Digital@UNGA 2026, a platform organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York as part of activities around the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The event brought together governments, technology companies, civil society groups, investors, academics and other stakeholders to discuss the future of technology.
The discussions came amid the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, digital platforms and other emerging technologies. There are concerns that communities with poor internet access, limited infrastructure and low digital skills could be left behind.
The President of the 81st UN General Assembly identified digital governance, artificial intelligence, science, technology and innovation among the session’s priority areas.
The agenda includes efforts to reduce the digital divide through greater investment in internet connectivity, digital literacy and affordable access to technology.
ITU Secretary General, Doreen Bogdan Martin, said the speed of technological change, especially the growth of artificial intelligence, makes it important for more people to participate in shaping the digital future.
She said the world was rapidly building its digital future and that more voices were needed in deciding how emerging technologies would be developed and used.
The 2026 Digital@UNGA programme focuses on three areas: innovation, inclusion and the future. Its inclusion agenda is aimed at expanding access and opportunities for people to participate in the digital economy.
As part of the initiative, the ITU and Google announced a commitment to provide 100,000 scholarships for online certificates through the AI for Good Skills Coalition.
The certificates will support the ITU UNICEF Giga initiative and will be delivered in partnership with national governments.
The programme is expected to help people develop skills needed to participate in an economy increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
The focus on digital skills reflects concerns that investments in AI infrastructure and applications may not benefit everyone if people do not have the knowledge required to use the technology.
For developing countries, the challenge remains significant as access to broadband internet, digital devices, affordable data and training remains uneven.
The United Nations Secretary General has also called for increased international support for AI capacity building in developing countries, including consideration of a global fund.
Gender inclusion was also discussed at the event, with the ITU Gender Champions Programme expanding beyond its pilot phase to support young leaders working to promote gender equality in the digital age.
The EQUALS Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age also marked its 10th anniversary and set a target of empowering 100 million women and girls to become active participants in the digital economy over the next decade.
The digital inclusion debate also covers digital public infrastructure, online government services and access to digital financial and economic opportunities.
A recent UNDP policy paper on Africa identified digital public infrastructure as a possible driver of inclusive growth but stressed the need for proper safeguards and effective implementation.
The issue is particularly important for Africa as governments work to improve internet connectivity, develop local technology industries and equip young people with skills for emerging technologies.
UNDP said discussions around Africa at UNGA 81 were also examining who controls the infrastructure supporting the AI economy, who benefits from African data and talent, and how access to funding can be improved.
The Digital@UNGA programme will continue beyond the main UN headquarters, with more than 100 related sessions scheduled in New York and other locations through November.
The sessions will cover areas including artificial intelligence in education and digital government, with the aim of turning global discussions into practical initiatives across different sectors.
