Scalable Alternative Governance and Business Models for a Fair Data Economy 

Date and time: Tuesday 16 September 2026, 16:00–18:00 

Organizers: The Aapti Institute, Data2X, Data Privacy Brasil, the Decentralization Research Center, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, the Global Solutions Initiative, the Project Liberty Institute, hosted by 1014 

Outcomes: Builders and policymakers aligned on practical paths to scale people-centred data models, from cooperatives to public digital infrastructure, with clear calls for legal clarity, funding, and cross-border interoperability. A convening coalition formed to carry this work forward, translating unprecedented global awareness into sustained political will and collective action. 

TRUST in the Age of Generative AI

Date and time: Monday 22 September, 08:30–10:00 

Organizers: IEEE Standards Association and partners 

Outcomes: Participants explored standards-based routes to transparency, accountability, and fairness. The session underscored that trust will hinge on cross-sector governance, measurable safeguards, and interoperable approaches that protect rights while enabling innovation. 

Honest Discussions at the Intersection of AI and the SDGs

Date and time: Tuesday 16 September 2027, 17:30–20:30 

Organizers: Humane Intelligence, Tech Salon, Compiler 

Outcomes: A candid, global conversation on AI’s role in advancing the SDGs brought together around 90 participants in person and online from at least 30 countries, surfacing priorities on safety, equity, and inclusion. The discussion, supported by philanthropic partners, reinforced the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping responsible AI practice and policy. 

Putting a Floor Under the AI Divide in the South Mediterranean

Date and time: Thursday 25 September 2025, 17:15–18:45 GMT+2
 
Organizers: Euro-Mediterranean Network for AI Governance (EuroMedAI) 

Outcomes: Commitments to publish a regional AI capacity report and a policy brief on AI compute, to join the Global Call for AI Red Lines, and to share an outcome document publicly. With 77 participants from across the region and beyond, the session advanced a collaborative roadmap to strengthen capacity, access, and ethical standards. 

A Digital Tool towards Understanding Ethical and Legal Implications of Artificial Intelligence

Date and time: Friday 26 September, 05:00–07:00 

Organizers: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Catalink 

Outcomes: A community of practice began to coalesce around inclusive and accessible AI, prioritising equity indicators, accessibility guidelines, and practical guardrails. A follow-up webinar and collaboration plan were agreed to deepen the work. 

Digital Pathways to Breakthrough: Harnessing Technology for Inclusive Transformation

Date and time: Thursday 25 September, 10:00–11:30 

Organizers: Breakthrough Social Enterprise 

Outcomes: With participants from ten countries, the session organised insights on barriers, opportunities, risks, and actions for digital equity. Next steps include shared outcome notes and a detailed report to inform contributions to the UN AI Skills Coalition and the Young AI Leaders Hub.  

Digital@UNGA Closing Event, New Commons Challenge Showcase

Date and time: Thursday 25 September, 15:00–16:30 

Organizers: Microsoft and The GovLab 

Outcomes: Winners showcased open, responsibly governed data commons that power local decision-making and humanitarian response. A fireside chat explored global impact, while new connections formed among governments, researchers, and technologists to steward data for public benefit. 

Youth for Digital SDGs Mixer

Date and time: Thursday 25 September, 18:00–20:00 

Organizers: Youth for Privacy, Youth SPI Platform 

Outcomes: Around 80 young participants from multiple countries exchanged ideas on AI, privacy, and digital rights, building networks for joint advocacy and responsible innovation. The session reaffirmed that youth leadership is essential for ethical, inclusive digital futures. 

The Digitalization Future: Pioneering Technological Pathways for Safe and Sustainable Societies

Date and time: Thursday 25 September, 09:00–12:00

 
Organizers: Creators Union of Arab with American University in the Emirates and Creative NextGen Solutions 

Outcomes: Endorsement of an Intellectual Property Verification initiative, a commitment to integrate digital safety into school curricula, and a new partnership to advance responsible tech use. A specialised AI ethics committee was launched to develop governance standards with human oversight at the centre.

Space Connectivity for Development

Date and time: Monday 22 September, 16:30–18:30 

Organizers: Amazon 

Outcomes: The session spotlighted non-geostationary satellite systems as catalysts for inclusive access. A new partnership between Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Kazakhtelecom was announced to extend high-speed satellite internet across Kazakhstan. Senior officials and international organisations emphasised enabling policies, responsible practices, and multilateral cooperation as keys to scale. 

Catalysing Investment in Scalable Digital Infrastructure Models

Date and time: Thursday 25 September, 09:00–12:00

 
Organizers: Creators Union of Arab with American University in the Emirates and Creative NextGen Solutions 

Outcomes: Endorsement of an Intellectual Property Verification initiative, a commitment to integrate digital safety into school curricula, and a new partnership to advance responsible tech use. A specialised AI ethics committee was launched to develop governance standards with human oversight at the centre.

DRC Digital Nation 2030

Date and time: Friday 26 September, 08:00–13:30 

Organizers: Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 

Outcomes: The DRC unveiled a national digital brand and strategy anchored in infrastructure, public services, inclusion, and trust. A one billion US dollar public investment was announced for 2026 to 2030, complemented by more than five hundred million US dollars from partners. International institutions and companies signalled long-term collaboration, including an AI initiative empowering entrepreneurs. 

Sierra Leone Innovation Showcase

Date and time: Friday 26 September, 09:00–11:00 

Organizers: Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Sierra Leone 

Outcomes: Youth, civil society, and education stakeholders coalesced around inclusive digital learning and mentorship. Guest experts inspired practical pathways for community impact and future collaborations, reinforcing that local initiative can drive meaningful digital inclusion. 

Smarter Investments, Stronger Education Systems: AI, Data and Digital Learning for All

Date and time: Sunday 21 September, 12:00–14:00 

Organizers: UNESCO, UNICEF, ITU, Cambridge, Global Partnership for Education 

Outcomes: Building on the Digital Transformation of Education Systems framework, participants shared routes to equitable broadband, teacher support, and responsible use of AI and data. The session called for joint investment and governance that ensure every learner benefits from meaningful connectivity. 

Empowering Youth and Women through Digital Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Date and time: Wednesday 24 September, 13:00–14:30 

Organizers: ADIFEVEA World

 
Outcomes: Participants co-designed a Youth and Women Digital Empowerment Roadmap, including a commitment to train 5,000 women and young people across coding, e-commerce, digital agriculture, and civic tech. A pilot under MULIMO KWETU launched for women smallholders, and a follow-up mechanism will report progress annually. 

The Socio-Economic Value of Girls’ Education: A Landmark Report by iamtheCOD

Date and time: Tuesday 23 September, 15:00–16:30 

Organizers: iamtheCODE 

Outcomes: The 10-year report celebrated reaching more than 550,000 women and girls across 88 countries, distributing over 65,000 digital courses in 19 languages and opening first-time coding and AI opportunities in refugee settings. An MoU with the Government of South Africa signalled government commitment to scale, with a pathway toward one million learners by 2030. 

DPI Cooperation in Motion: 50-in-5 Milestone Event

Date and time: Monday 22 September, 17:00–20:00
 
Organizers: Digital Public Goods Alliance 

Outcomes: Four countries joined the 50-in-5 campaign, while Brazil, Cambodia, France, and South Africa became DPGA members. With 140 participants from more than 25 countries, the event showcased growing momentum for open, interoperable DPI and created new opportunities for knowledge sharing and joint action. 

Trusted Digital Identity for People and AI: From UN Strategy to DPI Deployment

Date and time: Wednesday 24 September, 10:00–11:15 

Organizers: World Digital Technology Academy 

Outcomes: A virtual gathering of 50 participants aligned on trusted digital identity as a cornerstone of DPI and responsible AI. The session stressed governance that safeguards privacy, interoperability, and inclusion, with WDTA positioned as a collaboration platform for standards and best practice. 

Digital Ambassadors Forum, 2025 Dialogue on the Future of Digital Governance 

Date and time: Tuesday 23 September, 09:30–13:00 
Organizers: Business Council for International Understanding, with AT&T, GSMA, Mastercard, Oracle 

Outcomes: The Forum officially launched as a neutral platform bridging governments and industry. Over 250 high-level participants engaged on cybersecurity, trusted tools, Open RAN, AI, and infrastructure. American Tower joined as a Founding Member, and the Forum committed to regular convenings to advance cohesive global governance. 

Digital Transformation in Africa: Jumping Ten Years in One

Date and time: Tuesday 23 September, 12:00–14:00 

Organizers: Consulate General of Denmark in New York and cBrain 

Outcomes: Showcased how governments can leapfrog legacy systems using commercial off-the-shelf platforms. With senior leaders from Denmark, Kenya, Zambia, and the UN, the session highlighted cross-border collaboration and political leadership as the engine of sustainable government digitalisation. 

Unleashing the Promise of Digital Trade in Africa and Beyond

Date and time: Monday 22 September, 09:00–10:30 

Organizers: International Trade Centre 

Outcomes: A virtual crowd of more than 100 explored how trusted payments, digital IDs, and logistics underpin cross-border e-commerce. Public–private partnerships were identified as essential to implement the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, formalise social commerce, and unlock youth employment at scale. 

Scalable Alternative Governance and Business Models for a Fair Data Economy

Date and time: Tuesday, 16 September, 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm 
Location: 205 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 
Organizers: Aapti Institute; Data2X; Data Privacy Brasil; Decentralization Research Center; Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data; Global Solutions Initiative; Project Liberty Institute; hosted by 1014 
Participation: 50 participants from 15 countries 

Outcomes: 
Builders of people centered data models and senior policy leaders aligned on practical pathways to scale alternatives to today’s centralized data economy. The discussion highlighted data cooperatives and government led digital infrastructure for data agency as proven approaches; the technology is ready and the policy momentum is growing through frameworks such as the GDC and G7 or G20 communiqués. The group committed to translate awareness into sustained political will and collective action, focusing on legal clarity, financing mechanisms, and cross border interoperability so these models move from niche pilots to mainstream practice. A standing convening coalition emerged to keep developers and enablers at the same table, grounding future policy in live use cases and accelerating real world adoption. 

Krishi Updates Digital Agriculture Model: Fostering Climate Resilience through a Socially Inclusive Platform

Date and time: Saturday 27 September, 03:30–05:00 

Organizers: Technokreshy Montanus Private Limited, Society for Technology and Development 

Outcomes: A multilingual, online and offline model for mountain communities demonstrated how digital tools and AI can strengthen climate resilience, livelihoods, and youth entrepreneurship. Cross-sector partners from seven countries committed to expand accessible technologies, knowledge-sharing networks, and locally co-created solutions.  

High Level Solutions Dialogue on Accelerating Early Warning and Extreme Heat Solutions 

Date and time: Monday, 22 September, 9:00 am to 10:30 am 

Organizers: UN Secretary General’s Climate Action Team; UNDRR; WMO; IFRC; ITU; UNEP; Government of Brazil 

Participation: 158 participants from more than 30 countries, including Australia, Brazil, the European Union, India, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States 

Outcomes: 
Strong consensus formed around intentional, inclusive, and accelerated action to scale multi hazard early warning systems and to address extreme heat as a top adaptation priority. Participants called for embedding early warnings in NDCs and NAPs to unlock climate finance; securing long term national budget allocations complemented by international funding; strengthening impact based warnings, last mile communication, and anticipatory action; aligning international assistance with national priorities; and improving data cooperation. On extreme heat, the Dialogue backed whole of society responses, national heat action plans, urban cooling and nature based solutions, protection of vulnerable populations through health, labor, and social protection systems, and innovative finance such as impact bonds. The Brazil COP30 Presidency and UNEP’s Beat the Heat initiative was highlighted as a vehicle to mobilize global momentum. Countries will test and apply the UNDRR and WMO heat governance framework and toolkit in diverse contexts, reinforcing early warnings and heat action as essential pillars of climate resilience and sustainable development in an age of extremes.