UNGIS

Starting 1 January 2025, the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology transitioned into the new United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET). This change follows a decision by the UN General Assembly on 24 December 2024, after the adoption of the Global Digital Compact at the Summit of the Future in September 2024. ODET’s enhanced mandate equips it to better address the rapidly evolving technological landscape by focusing on opportunities and challenges, especially around implementing the Global Digital Compact and its guidance on AI governance.

The creation of ODET highlights the UN’s commitment to a coordinated, inclusive, and multistakeholder approach to technology governance grounded in the UN Charter, human rights, and sustainable development goals. The Office will play a vital role in uniting Member States and stakeholders, fostering dialogue, and ensuring that emerging technologies align with shared global principles.

ODET’s work spans five strategic areas:

1. Serving as advocate and focal point for digital cooperation within the UN for Member States and stakeholders.

2. Facilitating inclusive, multistakeholder policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies.

3. Advising senior UN leadership on key technology trends to guide the organization’s strategic approach.

4. Strengthening system-wide coordination on digital and emerging technologies across the UN.

5. Supporting the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact.

Together, these areas ensure ODET leads global efforts to harness technology for peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development.