{"id":437,"date":"2026-11-09T09:48:14","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T09:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/?page_id=437"},"modified":"2026-11-09T10:41:19","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T10:41:19","slug":"outcomes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/affiliate-programme\/outcomes\/","title":{"rendered":"Affiliate Session outcomes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Organised in the context of the ITU\u2013UNDP Digital@UNGA programme during UN High Level Week 2026 <\/h3>\n

\n What started as an Affiliate Sessions Programme around Digital@UNGA has become something much bigger: 105 sessions, 140+ organizations, 20+ countries, and a community spanning the UN system, governments, business, academia, civil society and youth.

From AI safety in New York to digital inclusion in Nigeria, AI education in Iraq, youth digital futures in Bangkok, digital literacy in the Maldives, AI transformation in Peru and tech diplomacy in Tashkent, the programme carried the Digital@UNGA message well beyond a single event or a single week.

One programme. More than 100 conversations. A shared belief that digital can be a force for good, for everyone.
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Here are the outcomes.<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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 Digit’all Innovation Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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When AI Feels Like a Friend: Teen Relationships with AI Companions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizers:<\/strong> Women in AI Ethics and WAIE+

Outcomes:<\/strong> The discussion examined the evolving relationship between teenagers and AI companions, bringing attention to the implications for wellbeing, safety and responsible AI. Upcoming resources and a white paper will support continued dialogue and action.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Bridging Central Africa’s Digital Divide: Public-Private Partnerships for Youth, Trade, and Inclusive AI in the Sahel<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizer:<\/strong> Nation Builders University

Outcomes:<\/strong> Government, private-sector, youth and civil-society voices explored how public-private partnerships can advance digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, trade and inclusive AI in the Sahel. The discussion highlighted young people as active contributors to digital transformation and called for AI solutions that reflect local languages, knowledge and community priorities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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6th UNGA Digital Health Symposium<\/strong> <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizers:<\/strong> Maynooth University and Seton Hall University

Outcomes:<\/strong>The Symposium highlighted a global shift from isolated digital-health pilots to implementation at scale within national systems. Participants emphasized prevention, early intervention and care closer to home, alongside the role of multisector partnerships in building workforce capability. The event also announced the International Digital Health Academy to support health systems in adopting and scaling digital, data and AI-enabled transformation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Human Centric Cities in the Age of AI: Connectivity, Inclusion and Opportunity for All<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizer:<\/strong> Universitat Aut\u00f2noma de Barcelona and ITU

Outcomes:<\/strong> The session explored how cities can harness AI while protecting human agency, democratic accountability, inclusion and trust. Through a practical urban case study, participants examined the tensions between technological opportunity, public value, privacy, equity and commercial interests, reinforcing that responsible urban AI must be designed with citizens and affected communities at its centre.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Advancing Digital and AI Infrastructure Investments in Emerging Markets<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizer:<\/strong> ITU

Outcomes:<\/strong> The roundtable reinforced the Digital Infrastructure Investment Catalyser\u2019s role in bringing together the partners, tools and financing approaches needed to turn digital and AI infrastructure priorities into action. Participants highlighted the importance of resilient energy and water systems, fit-for-purpose financing, enabling regulatory environments and stronger project pipelines to mobilize capital for scalable infrastructure in emerging markets. Insights from the discussion will inform the next phase of the Catalyser and further development of the Digital and AI Infrastructure Investment Playbook.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Sustainable Digital Schools: The Role of Governments in Adopting Safe and Inclusive Educational Initiatives to Empower a Talented Generation for the Digital Age<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizers:<\/strong> Creators Union of Arab (CUA) \u2013 Consultative Status with ECOSOC, UN, Arab Media Union \u2013 Consultative Status with ECOSOC, UN, Emirates Association for the Talents, Journalists Association UAE, Creative NextGen Solutions.

Outcomes:<\/strong> Recommendations began with the vision of H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, to launch the \u201cDistance and Face Charter\u201d within the Sustainable Digital Schools model, promoting the balanced use of AI as a learning tool. She also called for stronger partnerships among governments, civil society, and teachers to ensure equitable and inclusive digital schools for learners unable to participate in face-to-face education, and to promote AI as an educational intermediary, not a substitute for teachers. The session concluded by endorsing SDS Certification as a regional benchmark, strengthening the SDS Network to exchange expertise, and building strategic partnerships with UN entities and UNESCO. It further called for safe, inclusive, sustainable digital education, climate action, youth innovation, and teacher capacity-building.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digit’all Inclusion Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From Digital Exclusion to Global Opportunity<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizers:<\/strong> Kastan Mentoring Youth Leaders UK and East and Horn of Africa 

Outcomes:<\/strong> The session connected civil-society organizations, universities and technology professionals around practical solutions for underserved youth, women and persons with disabilities across Somalia and the Horn of Africa. Kastan Mentoring committed to coordinate a civil-society consortium for digital inclusion, expanding digital and AI skills, accessible education, scholarships, mentoring, and pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Youth and Grassroots Women through AI, Digital Skills and Inclusive Innovation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizer:<\/strong> Youths Enterprise Development & Innovation Society (YEDIS)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Outcomes:<\/strong> Participants explored how AI, digital skills and inclusive innovation can create stronger livelihoods, local enterprises and opportunities for young people and grassroots women. The discussion called for closer collaboration among civil society, academia, the private sector and financial institutions to advance meaningful digital inclusion and the Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Verifiable and Accountable AI: Trust Infrastructure for an Inclusive Agentic Era<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u00a0Organizer:<\/strong> Management Company Elixir LLC

Outcomes:<\/strong> The session outlined a practical trust framework for AI agents, centred on verifiable identity, delegated authority, revocation, evidence-grade records and independent verification. Participants emphasized the need for open standards, portable trust anchors and meaningful human accountability so that institutions of all sizes can use AI with confidence. A recording and report will serve as open resources for standards, testing and pilot discussions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The AI Workforce Blueprint<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizers:<\/strong> JA Worldwide, JA Asia Pacific, JA Institute and Ecosystem 

Outcomes:<\/strong> The session launched The AI Workforce Blueprint<\/em> and generated new commitments from funders to support AI literacy and upskilling for young people. It brought together partners from across regions to strengthen pathways into the future of work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Learn, Earn, Lead: Building Inclusive AI Opportunity Pathways for African Youth<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u00a0Organizer:<\/strong> Bankable Wisdom Solution Ltd\u00a0

Outcomes:<\/strong> Practitioners championed a shift from measuring course completion to enabling young people to earn and lead through AI. The session advanced a practical pathway from access and skills to proof of work, market opportunities and leadership, while highlighting low-bandwidth learning, disability inclusion and data affordability. New collaboration opportunities with Digital Child Rights are being taken forward.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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AI Sovereignty: Aligning Technological Autonomy with Positive Gender Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizer:<\/strong> Women in AI Ethics and WAIE+\u00a0

Outcomes:<\/strong> The session brought global attention to the relationship between AI sovereignty, technological autonomy and positive gender impact. Follow-up resources and a white paper will carry the conversation forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From Access to Agency: Closing the AI Opportunity Gap for the Next Generation<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u00a0Organizer:<\/strong> PURE Global (People for Urban and Rural Education)\u00a0

Outcomes:<\/strong> The session advanced a five-part framework for closing the AI opportunity gap: access, literacy, guidance, participation and opportunity. Participants highlighted the importance of teacher capacity, institutional readiness, responsible AI literacy and meaningful youth participation in decision-making. PURE Global committed to embed this work across its youth, school and community programmes in 10 countries and 300 chapters, supported by an ongoing community for knowledge exchange and collaboration.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Building a Responsible Digital Future for Youth (RDY): A Multistakeholder Action Framework for Youth Digital Well-Being, Safety and Agency<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizers:<\/strong> Global ESG Leadership Organization (ESGIN), in collaboration with the Responsible Digital Youth Advisory Council, Future Intelligence Institute for Youth, Future Intelligence Hub and Global SDGs Alliance

Outcomes:<\/strong> The session placed young people at the centre of discussions on AI, digital safety and wellbeing, with youth participants contributing as co-designers of practical solutions. Participants called for measurable youth influence in decision-making, safety by design, age-appropriate digital environments, stronger AI literacy and agency, and inclusive participation for underserved communities. ESGIN will consolidate the discussion into a Youth Digital Action Framework and launch the Responsible Digital for Youth Global Youth Digital Action initiative in 2027.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Powering Digit’all: Girls in Energy Village for Digital Inclusion in the Global South<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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 Organizers:<\/strong> DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative, Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations and Alliance of Social Transformers for Sustainable Development 

Outcomes:<\/strong> The session unveiled the Girls in Energy Village for the Global South, an initiative focused on strengthening digital inclusion and opportunities for girls and young women. It also announced a partnership with Dobray Media and the Civil Society Media Desk to support the initiative\u2019s outreach and visibility.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Beyond Access: Co-Creating the Next Generation of Inclusive Digital Learning<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizer:<\/strong> Center for Programming and Digital Creativity \u201cKIBERone Banja Luka\u201d

Outcomes:<\/strong> Following the international presentation of Mentora Plus, the session brought together local and regional perspectives on what inclusive digital education should look like in practice. Participants highlighted the importance of designing the platform around real needs, experiences and barriers, laying the foundation for continued cross-sector collaboration and more inclusive digital learning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digit’all Future Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Youth Digital Futures Summit 2026: AI, Inclusion and Ethical Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Tomorrow<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizer:<\/strong> Sustainable Development Council\u00a0

Outcomes:<\/strong> Young leaders, policymakers, academics, technology experts and civil-society representatives reaffirmed that young people must be active co-creators of the digital future. The Summit called for stronger youth participation in technology governance, responsible AI, digital and media literacy, online safety, equitable access and youth-led innovation to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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AI Red Lines: From Prohibition to Enforcement<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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 Organizers<\/strong>: Center for AI and Digital Policy, co-sponsored by the Minderoo Foundation and the Pro Human Coalition<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Outcomes:<\/strong>  The session launched the report Enforcing Red Lines: The Time is Now, highlighting the gap between global agreement on AI prohibitions and their enforcement in national law. The discussion called for clear legislation, independent regulators, democratic accountability, public scrutiny of military AI and stronger international action to protect human rights and human control.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Institutional Intelligence Forum: Global South Edition – Strengthening Sovereign Institutional Capability for AI-Enabled Public Service Delivery<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizers:<\/strong> Athena Infonomics, APLYD and Development Gateway

Outcomes:<\/strong> The Forum underscored that sustainable digital transformation depends on more than technology. Participants called for locally relevant, inclusive solutions that reflect linguistic diversity, strengthen institutions and community knowledge, and are supported by robust data stewardship, financing, clear ownership and adaptable digital architecture.

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Responsible AI for Child Protection<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizers:<\/strong> Athena Infonomics, APLYD and Just Rights for Children

Outcomes:<\/strong> The session emphasized that child safety must be built into digital systems from the outset, with strong laws, institutional capacity, accountability and safeguards for privacy and fundamental rights. It also launched Prevention by Design: From Voluntary Self-Regulation to a State Duty of Care, a policy report proposing stronger platform duty-of-care obligations and child-centred online protections.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Future Intelligence for Education and Human Development: Rethinking Learning, Skills and Human Potential in the Age of AI<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Organizer:<\/strong> Global ESG Leadership Organization (ESGIN), through its Future Intelligence Hub<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Outcomes:<\/strong>  The session explored how education systems, workplaces and policymakers can strengthen human capability in an age when AI-generated output is no longer proof of understanding. Participants identified practical actions to redesign assessment, support psychological safety, track real-world outcomes after training, promote employee-led AI innovation and ensure inclusive AI education. ESGIN will take these outcomes forward through peer-learning communities and pilots in Future Intelligence Hub city hubs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Closing reflections<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Affiliate Sessions offered a snapshot of the digital issues shaping societies today, from the rapid development of AI to enduring priorities around connectivity, cybersecurity, skills, inclusion and sustainable digital transformation, as well as emerging questions around quantum readiness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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If there is one thread connecting these conversations, it is that technology alone does not define digital progress. People do.<\/strong> Building an inclusive digital future means ensuring that innovation translates into meaningful opportunities and benefits for everyone, especially those most at risk of being left behind.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When AI Feels Like a Friend: Teen Relationships with AI Companions Organizers: Women in AI Ethics and WAIE+ Outcomes: The discussion examined the evolving relationship between teenagers and AI companions, bringing attention to the implications for wellbeing, safety and responsible AI. Upcoming resources and a white paper will support continued dialogue and action. Bridging Central […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":190,"parent":39,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"obsolete-templates\/page-submenu.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-437","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/437\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/initiatives\/digital-unga2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}