UNGA 81 Promotes Digital Inclusion with ITU and Google Initiative

The 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is prioritizing digital inclusion, shifting the global digital agenda towards ensuring affordable access and relevant skills for participation in the digital economy. This focus was evident at the Digital@UNGA 2026 event in New York, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the importance of wider participation in shaping the digital future, particularly in light of the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). A significant initiative announced is the partnership between ITU and Google to provide 100,000 scholarships for online certificates through the AI for Good Skills Coalition, aimed at enhancing skills necessary for an AI-driven economy.

The UN Secretary-General has called for international efforts to address AI capacity-building gaps, including a potential global fund for developing countries. Gender inclusion was also a key topic, with the ITU Gender Champions Programme expanding its initiatives.