About the Initiative
Partnering for Real-World Impact of AI-Powered Virtual Worlds
Launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC), and Digital Dubai, the Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI – Discovering the Citiverse is a multistakeholder platform dedicated to shaping the next generation of AI-powered virtual worlds.
These immersive digital environments are transforming how people live, learn, govern, and interact. The Initiative ensures that AI-powered virtual worlds evolve in ways that are inclusive, interoperable, and human-centric—and that they help deliver on the Pact for the Future and its Global Digital Compact.
Meet the Champions and Supporters
Purpose and Mission
The Initiative serves as a neutral, action-oriented platform that connects cities, governments, UN entities, companies, academia, and civil society to shape the development and deployment of AI-powered virtual worlds. It is designed to:
- Develop global frameworks for policy, governance, inclusion, safety, and technical interoperability in AI-powered virtual worlds
- Accelerate innovation through a global sandbox where cities can test, pilot, and scale real-world applications
- Unite global efforts to deliver on the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Foster capacity building and knowledge sharing through toolkits, training, events, and open learning opportunities
What Makes This Initiative Different?
The Initiative stands out for its real-world focus, its commitment to global multistakeholder collaboration, and its ability to bridge policy and implementation. It bridges vision and action—offering cities and partners the tools they need to shape the future of AI-powered virtual worlds:
- A taxonomy of use cases for cities and innovators
- A sandbox for real-world experimentation
- A global platform for dialogue, partnerships, and solution-sharing
- Clear principles for safe, inclusive, and interoperable virtual worlds
- A growing Network of Cities committed to collaboration and shared learning
- A dynamic venue to foster innovation across sectors and regions
- And more…
By aligning strategy with experimentation, and vision with results, the Initiative enables partners to shape the future of AI-powered virtual worlds.
Structure: Pillars and Tracks
The Initiative advances its mission through three strategic pillars, each supported by dedicated tracks that tackle the most pressing opportunities and challenges in AI-powered virtual worlds. These pillars represent a comprehensive and inclusive approach—from developing global guidelines to driving real-world implementation in cities around the world.
- Pillar 1 – Bringing Virtual Worlds to Life
Establishing foundational guidance, trust, accessibility, and awareness - Pillar 2 – Connecting Cities with the Virtual and Real Worlds
Empowering cities through use cases, tools, training, and technology exchange - Pillar 3 – Tunneling the Citiverse
Creating global momentum through events, challenges, talent programmes, and city networks
Participation and Engagement
More information about partnership and engagement is available here.
To express interest in joining, please contact us at virtualworlds@itu.int.