{"id":265,"date":"2025-09-11T16:57:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T15:57:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/?page_id=265"},"modified":"2026-01-23T16:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T15:34:09","slug":"programme","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/programme\/","title":{"rendered":"Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"    <div class=\"ituContainer grid\">\n        <div data-span=\"12\">\n                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-00be61fff90f9717ee4ae75face9c9f9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9:00 \u2013 9:20 Opening Ceremony<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opening remarks featured senior representatives of the UN and set the context for the day\u2019s discussions.<\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/itu-sg-doreen-bogdan-martin-1-e1757116678134.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-242 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/itu-sg-doreen-bogdan-martin-1-e1757116678134.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/itu-sg-doreen-bogdan-martin-1-e1757116678134-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-d47d46c2 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Doreen Bogdan-Martin<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-d47d46c2 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9500232adecab90fe00310bc7f8cc80a wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Doreen Bogdan-Martin<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Secretary-General, ITU<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Doreen Bogdan-Martin took office as Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">With over three&nbsp;decades of leadership experience in global telecommunications policy, Ms. Bogdan-Martin has emphasized the need for digital transformation to achieve economic prosperity, job creation, skills development, gender equality,&nbsp;and socio-economic inclusion, as well as to build circular economies, reduce climate impact, and save lives. Her historic election by ITU Member States in September 2022 made her the first woman ever to head the nearly 160-year-old organization. Known for mobilizing innovative partnerships, she aims to promote meaningful connectivity, intensify cooperation to connect the unconnected, and strengthen the alignment of digital technologies with inclusive sustainable development.\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secretary General, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-243 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-3860888a uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Seizo Onoe<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-3860888a uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7da05f7f6f7fe55ff81d61c9e3eb652b wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Seizo Onoe<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seizo Onoe took office as Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023. Known in the industry as \u201cthe father of LTE\u201d (Long-Term Evolution mobile broadband), he now aims for global outreach to bridge standardization gaps, deliver the benefits of technology widely and speedily, and ensure meaningful and affordable broadband access for everyone. Before his election as TSB Director by ITU Member States, he completed an over 30-year career with Japanese mobile operator NTT DOCOMO. In 2021, he became Executive Vice President and Chief Standardization Strategy Officer for NTT Corporation and a Fellow of NTT DOCOMO. From 2017, he served as NTT DOCOMO\u2019s Chief Technology Architect and President of its subsidiary DOCOMO Technology. From 2012 to 2017, he served as NTT DOCOMO\u2019s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, a Member of the Board of Directors, and Managing Director of R&amp;D Innovation Division. Earlier, he served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of NTT DOCOMO\u2019s R&amp;D Strategy Department and Managing Director of the company\u2019s Radio Network Development Department. Mr Onoe holds a Master\u2019s degree in electronics from the Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-266 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-b986fd34 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Sameer Chauhan<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-b986fd34 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cbd0995cd3e498bf26ccebad5c0f0f92 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sameer Chauhan<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director, United Nations International Computing Centre, UNICC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr. Sameer Chauhan was appointed Director of the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) on 1 December 2019 by the United Nations Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres.<br>The Director has the responsibility to lead all aspects of UNICC\u2019s strategy and operations to facilitate the provision of services to more than 90 Clients and Partner Organizations, to establish the UNICC strategy, to develop a biennial business plan and budget and to implement the approved plan. The Director is accountable to the UNICC Management Committee (MC) that governs the organization and represents the entire United Nations system.<br>With the advice and backing of the MC, Mr. Chauhan has effectively led a strategic transformation of UNICC since he assumed his post. This has enabled UNICC to become the preferred strategic digital partner for the whole UN system and has empowered the organization to successfully build capabilities in areas such as cybersecurity, data, AI and automation, as well as in key business areas like treasury, finance and HR. As Chief of Clients and Projects, he started his career at UNICC in August 2015 in New York.<br>Mr. Chauhan has over twenty years of experience in the public and private sectors and an educational background in Computer Engineering and Computer Science. Before UNICC, Mr. Chauhan was the Head of Knowledge Management and Digital Marketing IT for Deutsche Bank (DB) Asset and Wealth Management. He played several roles at DB over eight years, including being the COO for an IT division of approximately 800 staff and the product manager responsible for a multi-billion dollar trading platform for DB Prime Brokerage. He also spent several years as a consultant for Deloitte, working across various industries including financial services, the public sector, telecom, manufacturing and software.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Director, United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"498\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karima.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-341 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karima.png 498w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karima-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karima-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-7b881496 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"disable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Karima Cherif<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-7b881496 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7822eb9c433bac07ee0b019c850f51aa wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Karima Cherif<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Head of Communications and Outreach, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head of Communications and Outreach, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mr.-Dmitry-Mariyasin-e1713532185869-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-267 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mr.-Dmitry-Mariyasin-e1713532185869-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mr.-Dmitry-Mariyasin-e1713532185869-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mr.-Dmitry-Mariyasin-e1713532185869-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mr.-Dmitry-Mariyasin-e1713532185869-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mr.-Dmitry-Mariyasin-e1713532185869-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mr.-Dmitry-Mariyasin-e1713532185869.jpg 1632w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-fd36e2ea uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Dmitry Mariyasin<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-fd36e2ea uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6539bd927bed768836f88b6ce2127c3d wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dmitry Mariyasin<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Deputy Executive Secretary of UNECE<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dmitry Mariyasin was appointed Deputy Executive Secretary (No2) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on 1 March 2021. UNECE, as one of the five UN regional commissions, covers 56 member States, promotes regional cooperation and facilitates the development of regulation and policy in areas such as energy, environment, trade, transport, housing, forestry and statistics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to joining UNECE, Mr. Mariyasin was heading the Country Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia (2017-2021). He also served as the Team Leader, Partnerships in UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS region (2011-2016) and in other positions with UNDP at global, regional and country level.<br>Mr. Mariyasin holds a PHD in Economics from the Moscow State University, and a MA in Public Administration from the New York University. He is married, and is a proud father of three children.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Nevine-tewfik-e1712656605322.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-279 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Nevine-tewfik-e1712656605322.jpg 205w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Nevine-tewfik-e1712656605322-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-7e9f85f1 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Mounir Tabet<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-7e9f85f1 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7c1dd9210f6bee2024e314d9ca660e15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nevine Tewfik<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Senior International Relations Expert, Egypt&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nevine Tewfik holds a BA and MA degrees in Political Science from the American University in Cairo where she worked for several years as Instructor of Political Science. Nevine has also been working for the past 30 years in the field of International Relations, Research, Policies, Studies and strategic thinking. She is currently The General Manager of the General Department of International Organizations, conferences and external relations, as well as senior IR Expert at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, focusing on conceptualization, positioning and research. Prior to that she held several positions including Head of Research, Studies and Policies, Deputy Director and Head of The European Cooperation Department. Her current work cuts across the different portfolios of the International relations division on the bilateral and multilateral levels, where she is member of the Management Team. One of the founders of the IR Division at MCIT, Nevine has represented the ministry in numerous international platforms and organizations since then. Nevine is vice chair of SG5 on \u201cThe Environment, climate change and circular economy\u201d, vice chair of WP2, vice chair of the African and Arab Regional groups and co- rapporteur of question 7 on Circular economy including e-waste. Nevine was actively involved in the Green ICT program at MCIT and the Sustainable Recycling Industries project implemented in Egypt in cooperation with the Swiss government. Nevine has also been recently appointed as co chair of Working Group 8 on sustainability, accessibility and inclusion of the ITU Focus Group on Metaverse and member of the extended management team of the focus group. Nevine has recently earned a Certificate in Strategic Management and Innovation from the Copenhagen Business school within the Next Technology Leaders Initiative and The UNCTAD 45th regional course on key issues on the international economic agenda for countries in the middle east and north Africa. She has been recognized by the ITU for her outstanding contribution to ITU- T standards work in terms of Impact during WTSA-20. Nevine is active in counselling among other things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Radia-Funna-BIO-PIC-scaled-e1712662740476.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-269 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Radia-Funna-BIO-PIC-scaled-e1712662740476.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Radia-Funna-BIO-PIC-scaled-e1712662740476-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-f0f5d970 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Radia Funna<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-f0f5d970 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d56e290fdb5282dc29d0e73e518e7395 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Radia Funna<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Futurist and creator of the xHuman theory and Chair of the 1st UN Virtual Worlds Day<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Radia Funna is an internationally recognized theorist whose xHuman theory explores the impact of frontier technology on people, institutions, and societal structures. She is the founder and principal at Build n Blaze, a 12-year-old consulting firm advising on strategy, policy, and transformation in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Radia holds leadership positions blending emerging technology and policy, most recently in metaverse related standardization at ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector\u2019s Focus Group on metaverse, where she is Vice Chair of both the General Working Group and the Working Group on Security, Data &amp; Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Protection; and Chair of the Task Groups on Implications for people in the metaverse; and Building confidence and security in the metaverse including PII protection. She is a member of Stimson Center\u2019s Alfred Lee Loomis Innovation Council (a forum for technology leaders and policymakers in the United States to share expertise, build innovative solutions to 21st century problems, and consider the future of U.S. technology policy); and the Trust and Safety Teaching Consortium (launched by Stanford University\u2019s Internet Observatory to share open access teaching material on online trust and safety). Radia is an informal advisor to the UN and an advocate of the Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chair of the 1st UN Virtual Worlds Day<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-d2e54b406868b520f81643df3cf40666 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9:20 &#8211; 11:10 High-Level Segment: Regulating Virtual Worlds<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This high-level segment featured senior government and corporate leaders who are actively working on policy and regulatory challenges posed by the metaverse and virtual worlds.<\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/rebecca-mukite1-scaled-e1715859844886-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-270 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/rebecca-mukite1-scaled-e1715859844886-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/rebecca-mukite1-scaled-e1715859844886-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/rebecca-mukite1-scaled-e1715859844886-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/rebecca-mukite1-scaled-e1715859844886-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/rebecca-mukite1-scaled-e1715859844886-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/rebecca-mukite1-scaled-e1715859844886.jpg 1706w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-28a616ad uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Rebecca Mukite<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-28a616ad uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f117dc3d68b205831f6adf07cfd1a4d7 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rebecca Mukite<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Head of Public and International Relations, Uganda Communications Commission<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rebecca Mukite is the Head of Public and International Relations at the Uganda Communications Commission. With over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, she has specialized in radio frequency spectrum planning and monitoring, telecommunications licensing, communications, public relations, and international relations.<br>Rebecca began her telecommunications engineering career in regulatory-level RF spectrum planning, utilization and monitoring, where she developed expertise in managing and evaluating RF systems, processes, and technical data. She then progressed into telecommunications licensing and standards development, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and contributing to the establishment of industry standards and best practices through the development of regulatory frameworks and guidelines. This experience honed her skills in strategic decision-making, translating technical aspects into socio-economic solutions for national development, regulatory compliance, and policy development.<br>Her career further expanded into public and international relations within the telecommunications industry. She has developed and implemented communication strategies, managed media relations, and built consensus on complex issues related to ICT public policy and regulation. This experience has provided her with a deep understanding of the vital role technology plays in enabling economic growth and development.<br>Throughout her career, Rebecca has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and a passion for advancing the telecommunications industry. She holds a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from Kyambogo University and a master\u2019s degree in communications management from Bucks New university, as well as specialized training in various thematic areas related to global communications.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Moderator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head of Public and International Relations, Uganda Communications Commission&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/H.E.-Mr-Nape-Nnauye-e1690880309853-300x300-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-271 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/H.E.-Mr-Nape-Nnauye-e1690880309853-300x300-1.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/H.E.-Mr-Nape-Nnauye-e1690880309853-300x300-1-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-9f4f98d6 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>H.E. Mr Nape Nnauye<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-9f4f98d6 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-aee0508fc0aded84c8bd6307cf371c10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>H.E. Mr Nape Nnauye<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Minister, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Tanzania\u200b<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hon. Nape Moses Nnauye is the United Republic of Tanzania\u2019s Minister for Information,Communication, and Information Technology and Member of Parliament for Mtama Constituency in Lindi Region. He is a natural communicator who can energize and inspire people towards common goals. Nape has a successful track record in public programs, contributing to important roles and positions. Born and raised in Tanzania, Nape earned a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Psychology, Language, and Journalism with Honors from Bangalore University in India, and a Master\u2019s in Public<br>Administration from Mzumbe University, Tanzania. Nape is a diligent student with Diplomas in Diplomacy and Foreign Relations and Social Sciences from the Centre for Foreign Relations and Kivukoni Academy of Social Sciences, respectively. Currently, he is a student of first degree in Law (LLB) at Open University of Tanzania.<br>Nape has actively served with Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), the current ruling party in Tanzania, since his primary school days. Nape played various roles within CCM and the government, contributing to their political and economic growth. Nape is a member of the National Congress, National Executive Committee, and former National Secretary for Ideology and Publicity of CCM. Nape remains passionate about Africa\u2019s and Tanzania\u2019s development and actively shares his unique treasure of practical knowledge and purposeful emphasis with youth. Nape is a mentor to the future development agents of Africa.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Minister, Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, Tanzania (United Republic of)&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"859\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-272 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus.png 864w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus-300x298.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus-768x764.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-c2da3e2f uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>H.E. Mr Younus Al Nasser<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-c2da3e2f uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ca4d44ffa2da0b58fa5cc761471641b3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>H.E. Mr Younus Al Nasser<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Data &amp; Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">H.E. Younus Al Nasser is a globally recognized leader in planning and implementing city-wide digital transformation, and building holistic data ecosystems. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, part of the Dubai Digital Authority, Al Nasser has played an instrumental role in Dubai\u2019s digital transformation over the past 7 years.<br>As the CEO of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, Al Nasser has overseen the creation of Data Governance models for the city creating policies and standards for data sharing, created a network of Data Champions across Dubai Government and Semi-Government entities, built the city\u2019s first Open Data sharing platform (Dubai Pulse) and has also charted the future of the city\u2019s data ecosystem by creating a Private-Sector Engagement Strategy.<br>Al Nasser is also a Member of the UAE AI Council leading the development of the UAE National Data Strategy, and is the Vice-Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Global Councils for SDG 11.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Data &amp; Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/foto-0-paula-horizontal-despacho-scaled-e1750768764245-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-273 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/foto-0-paula-horizontal-despacho-scaled-e1750768764245-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/foto-0-paula-horizontal-despacho-scaled-e1750768764245-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/foto-0-paula-horizontal-despacho-scaled-e1750768764245-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/foto-0-paula-horizontal-despacho-scaled-e1750768764245-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/foto-0-paula-horizontal-despacho-scaled-e1750768764245.jpg 1290w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-b7e01396 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Paula Llobet Vilarrasa<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-b7e01396 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72aab421632ce8bb073bad6bf7028a1a wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Paula Llobet Vilarrasa<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Delegate Councilor, Tourism, Innovation, Technology, Digital Agenda and Investment Capture of the Most Excellent Valencia City Council<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paula Llobet was born in Valencia on December 27, 1977, and she studied at Colegio Domus and Colegio Esclavas de Valencia.<br>From a very young age Paula Llobet has had a great vocation for public service and a special concern for helping those most in need. That has led me to be a cooperator in Africa and Latin America for several years.<br>Studying is another of her great passions. Paula Llobet has a degree in Business Administration and Management, a degree in Law from the University of Valencia and a degree in Political Sciences and Administration from the Miguel Hern\u00e1ndez University of Elche and a Postgraduate Degree in International Cooperation.<br>Paula Llobet has 17 years of professional experience in the design and management of public policies. Expert in community financing and coordination of local and transnational networks.<br>The areas in which Paula Llobet has developed her professional career are several, from social welfare, citizen participation, development cooperation, environmental sustainability, R&amp;D&amp;I, health, to urban development and smart cities, strategic planning and management of local, national and European projects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Councillor for Tourism, Digital Agenda, Innovation, and Investment, Valencia, Spain<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Jouni-Markkanen-e1750768632106.png-2025-09-06-17-57-23-278-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-278 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Jouni-Markkanen-e1750768632106.png-2025-09-06-17-57-23-278-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Jouni-Markkanen-e1750768632106.png-2025-09-06-17-57-23-278-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Jouni-Markkanen-e1750768632106.png-2025-09-06-17-57-23-278-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Jouni-Markkanen-e1750768632106.png-2025-09-06-17-57-23-278-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Jouni-Markkanen-e1750768632106.png-2025-09-06-17-57-23-278.png 1293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-76126490 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Jouni Markkanen<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-76126490 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3129535e737b8d8b258ecc5458811bf3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jouni Markkanen<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tampere City Board, Finland<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jouni Markkanen is a member of the Tampere City Board and has been instrumental in developing Tampere&#8217;s digitalization from a political standpoint for over ten years. In a professional capacity, Jouni works for the National Coalition Party (Kansallinen Kokoomus) and has been responsible for digitalization since 2017. In this role, Jouni has served as the lead writer for two sector-specific parliamentary election programs.<br>Additionally, Jouni is part of a unique Finnish parliamentary data policy cooperation group, where all parliamentary parties seek common stances on digitalization issues. The current Finnish government&#8217;s digital policies are based on the work done by this group. Currently, Jouni is the lead writer in the parliamentary group exploring the potential of artificial intelligence for Finland.<br>Throughout Jouni&#8217;s career, there has been a strong focus on fostering collaboration between politicians and civil servants at both regional and national levels, aiming to enhance the understanding of digitalization opportunities, particularly within the political sphere. In Jouni&#8217;s earlier career, he was part of the product development team at the mobile operator Telia.<br>Jouni holds a Master\u2019s degree in Economics from Tampere University.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tampere City Board, Finland<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karl-Filip-e1713784997673-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-274 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karl-Filip-e1713784997673-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karl-Filip-e1713784997673-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karl-Filip-e1713784997673-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karl-Filip-e1713784997673-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Karl-Filip-e1713784997673.jpg 1266w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-dff03b09 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Karl-Filip Coenegrachts<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-dff03b09 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149d54e79eb01205980d25a32e6b5efb wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Karl-Filip Coenegrachts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chair of the Board of Directors, Acting Executive Director, Open &amp; Agile Smart Cities<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Karl-Filip is Chair of the Board of Directors and acting Executive Director of Open &amp; Agile Smart Cities, an international cities and communities network supporting its members in their digital transformation journey with a strong focus on interoperability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">He is also Head of the Data, Governance and Communities Unit at the imec research group SMIT of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (imec-SMIT, VUB). The main focus of the work of his unit is on governance and business aspects of urban digital transformation and urban innovation, including data spaces, local digital twins and personal data management. Currently, he also serves as Senior Policy Advisor Smart Cities, Data Spaces, Local Digital Twins and CitiVerse at FARI, the AI for the Common Good Institute in Brussels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Before joining SMIT, he served in government for 24 years, working at the local level as Chief Strategy Officer of the City of Ghent and at the Belgian FPS Justice on digital policies and digital transformation programmes. He holds a master of laws degree, specialized in European and International Law.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Director, Open &amp; Agile Smart Cities (OASC), Belgium<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"964\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bertrand-Levy-e1757117501425-1024x964.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-258 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bertrand-Levy-e1757117501425-1024x964.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bertrand-Levy-e1757117501425-300x283.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bertrand-Levy-e1757117501425-768x723.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bertrand-Levy-e1757117501425-1536x1447.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bertrand-Levy-e1757117501425.jpg 1907w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-380276c7 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Bertrand Levy\u200b<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-380276c7 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1d3ade3175f2002ad009a1dfee19ef20 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bertrand Levy<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships, The Sandbox<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bertrand Levy is a Digital Pioneer Who has been working in the Music Industry for over 15 years (Over 10 years @ Universal Music Group &#8211; Ended Global Vice President @ UMGB ) Since 2020 VICE PRESIDENT @ THE SANDBOX, One of the leading Metaverse In The World . \u200b\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships, The Sandbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"243\" height=\"250\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Christina-Yan-Zhang-938x1024-1-e1757117035462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-257 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-945c0d13 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Christina Yan Zhang<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-945c0d13 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d61eb7a645f80b670f027b8ce83f5679 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Christina Yan Zhang<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CEO, The Metaverse Institute<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Christina is a metaverse pioneer. She started her master research on the topic in 2006 and completed a PhD using digital twin for the construction industry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Christina is an award-winning business leader with 18 years experience. She was China Director for QS, the world university ranking agency 2013-2020.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">She has sat on 20+ committees for UNESCO, World Bank, Commonwealth, EU, and UK Governments on innovations. She is Vice Chair of the ITU Metaverse Working Group on Sustainability, Accessibility &amp; Inclusion and Co-chair on Pre-standardisation for the CitiVerse Task Group to set up the UN definition and roadmap using frontier technologies for citizen-centred cities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">She sits on Advisory Council of Centre for Science Futures at International Science Council, with a UN mandate on science. She advises on how AI impacts on the global innovation ecosystem.<br>The Metaverse Institute advise the UN, governments, investors, corporates using frontier technologies for impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">She is Top 100 Women of the Future, Metaverse Influencer of the Year, Intellectual Leader of the Year 2023 etc. She regularly meets with top leaders, is a keynote speaker at high level events, interviewed by top media. She spoke at UN HLPF, STI Forum, summits of WIPO, UNESCO, and ICAO.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CEO, The Metaverse Institute&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>11:10 &#8211; 11:40 Coffee break<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-90045dd74a651f98ef028d13335d784c wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>11:40 &#8211; 12:25 Award Ceremony of the UN metaverse Think-a-thon&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This event brought together youth to leverage their ideas and virtual world technologies in particular spatial computing and metaverse to create innovative solutions for the SDGs. It provided an exclusive opportunity for young innovators to harness the potential of virtual technologies and innovative approaches to generate actionable insights, propose practical solutions, and foster a collective vision for creating smarter, more sustainable cities and communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"332\" height=\"314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/nevena-alexandrova.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-276 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/nevena-alexandrova.png 332w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/nevena-alexandrova-300x284.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-69f5d14b uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Nevena Alexandrova<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-69f5d14b uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0c79ad3ef26d574e4b76d840848e7fa1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nevena Alexandrova<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Agricultural Extension Officer, Policies and capacities for Innovation Unit leader, Office of Innovation, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Nevena Alexandrova-Stefanova is a highly qualified FAO technical officer with a strong background in agricultural biotechnologies, biosafety, knowledge-sharing and risk-benefit analysis of frontier technologies. She holds a PhD in marker-assisted plant biotechnologies and has over 12 years of experience in research, project management, and science communication. For 10 years, Dr. Alexandrova-Stefanova worked at FAO&#8217;s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, focusing on policy advice and knowledge sharing for sustainable and inclusive agrifood system transformation with a focus on digitalization and innovation systems.&nbsp; Since 2018, she has been with FAO Headquarters, supporting countries in transforming their national agrifood systems pathways through innovation, and promoting access to knowledge and services for smallholder farmers and supporting national agricultural innovation systems, including research and advisory services. Dr. Alexandrova-Stefanova is a leading expert on foresight methodologies and their application in the agrifood systems, in particular in emerging agrifood technologies and innovations and innovation ecosystems. She serves as the FAO alternate focal point of the UN Future Labs community of practice and is leading global foresight studies on emerging technologies and innovations for agri-food systems. In her current role, Dr. Alexandrova-Stefanova assists countries in developing evidence-based and future-oriented policies in and building capacities for agricultural innovation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agricultural Extension Officer, Policies and capacities for Innovation Unit leader, Office of Innovation, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-266 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-cafe15f1 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Sameer Chauhan<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-cafe15f1 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cbd0995cd3e498bf26ccebad5c0f0f92 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sameer Chauhan<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director, United Nations International Computing Centre, UNICC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr. Sameer Chauhan was appointed Director of the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) on 1 December 2019 by the United Nations Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres.<br>The Director has the responsibility to lead all aspects of UNICC\u2019s strategy and operations to facilitate the provision of services to more than 90 Clients and Partner Organizations, to establish the UNICC strategy, to develop a biennial business plan and budget and to implement the approved plan. The Director is accountable to the UNICC Management Committee (MC) that governs the organization and represents the entire United Nations system.<br>With the advice and backing of the MC, Mr. Chauhan has effectively led a strategic transformation of UNICC since he assumed his post. This has enabled UNICC to become the preferred strategic digital partner for the whole UN system and has empowered the organization to successfully build capabilities in areas such as cybersecurity, data, AI and automation, as well as in key business areas like treasury, finance and HR. As Chief of Clients and Projects, he started his career at UNICC in August 2015 in New York.<br>Mr. Chauhan has over twenty years of experience in the public and private sectors and an educational background in Computer Engineering and Computer Science. Before UNICC, Mr. Chauhan was the Head of Knowledge Management and Digital Marketing IT for Deutsche Bank (DB) Asset and Wealth Management. He played several roles at DB over eight years, including being the COO for an IT division of approximately 800 staff and the product manager responsible for a multi-billion dollar trading platform for DB Prime Brokerage. He also spent several years as a consultant for Deloitte, working across various industries including financial services, the public sector, telecom, manufacturing and software.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Director, United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-243 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-936dff73 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Seizo Onoe<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-936dff73 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7da05f7f6f7fe55ff81d61c9e3eb652b wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Seizo Onoe<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seizo Onoe took office as Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023. Known in the industry as \u201cthe father of LTE\u201d (Long-Term Evolution mobile broadband), he now aims for global outreach to bridge standardization gaps, deliver the benefits of technology widely and speedily, and ensure meaningful and affordable broadband access for everyone. Before his election as TSB Director by ITU Member States, he completed an over 30-year career with Japanese mobile operator NTT DOCOMO. In 2021, he became Executive Vice President and Chief Standardization Strategy Officer for NTT Corporation and a Fellow of NTT DOCOMO. From 2017, he served as NTT DOCOMO\u2019s Chief Technology Architect and President of its subsidiary DOCOMO Technology. From 2012 to 2017, he served as NTT DOCOMO\u2019s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, a Member of the Board of Directors, and Managing Director of R&amp;D Innovation Division. Earlier, he served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of NTT DOCOMO\u2019s R&amp;D Strategy Department and Managing Director of the company\u2019s Radio Network Development Department. Mr Onoe holds a Master\u2019s degree in electronics from the Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Radia-Funna-BIO-PIC-scaled-e1712662740476.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-269 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Radia-Funna-BIO-PIC-scaled-e1712662740476.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Radia-Funna-BIO-PIC-scaled-e1712662740476-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-b9f7d1b8 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Radia Funna<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-b9f7d1b8 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d56e290fdb5282dc29d0e73e518e7395 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Radia Funna<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Futurist and creator of the xHuman theory and Chair of the 1st UN Virtual Worlds Day<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Radia Funna is an internationally recognized theorist whose xHuman theory explores the impact of frontier technology on people, institutions, and societal structures. She is the founder and principal at Build n Blaze, a 12-year-old consulting firm advising on strategy, policy, and transformation in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Radia holds leadership positions blending emerging technology and policy, most recently in metaverse related standardization at ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector\u2019s Focus Group on metaverse, where she is Vice Chair of both the General Working Group and the Working Group on Security, Data &amp; Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Protection; and Chair of the Task Groups on Implications for people in the metaverse; and Building confidence and security in the metaverse including PII protection. She is a member of Stimson Center\u2019s Alfred Lee Loomis Innovation Council (a forum for technology leaders and policymakers in the United States to share expertise, build innovative solutions to 21st century problems, and consider the future of U.S. technology policy); and the Trust and Safety Teaching Consortium (launched by Stanford University\u2019s Internet Observatory to share open access teaching material on online trust and safety). Radia is an informal advisor to the UN and an advocate of the Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chair of the 1st UN Virtual Worlds Day<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"252\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Shin-Gak-e1750755443851.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-277 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Shin-Gak-e1750755443851.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Shin-Gak-e1750755443851-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-6d58a370 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Shin-Gak Kang<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-6d58a370 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65bffb2e4d2bbf490a66543db858dab9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Shin-Gak Kang<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chair, ITU Focus Group on metaverse<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shin-Gak KANG is the Assistant Vice President of ETRI, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute in Republic of Korea. He received B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electronics engineering from Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea in 1984, 1987, and 1998, respectively. He joined ETRI in 1984 and is currently Head of the Standards and Opensource Research Division. He is also Adjunct Professor of ETRI School of University of Science and Technology in Korea. He has actively participated in many international standardization activities of many SDOs including ITU-T SG 7, SG 8, SG 17, SG 11, SG 13, SG 16, SG 20, GSC, ISO\/IEC JTC 1\/SC 6, IETF and IEEE, as Rapporteur, Convenor, Editor, and major contributor since his first joining to ITU-T SG 8 meeting in 1988. He served as ITU-T SG11 Vice-Chairman and its WP Chairman from 2013 to 2021. Since 2004, he has been working as Convenor for ISO\/IEC JTC 1\/SC 6\/WG 7 on Future Network. He is also currently serving as Vice-Chairman of ITU-T SG16, Co-chairman of WP1\/16, and Co-Chairman of the CG-Metaverse in SG16. He has been appointed as the Chairman of ITU-T Focus Group on metaverse in December 2022 by TSAG.\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chair, ITU Focus Group on metaverse<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"620\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Yazeed-e1757117449872.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-259 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Yazeed-e1757117449872.jpeg 676w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Yazeed-e1757117449872-300x275.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-f4a2536e uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Yazeed I. Alabdulkarim<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-f4a2536e uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108285bd64452c095f26e09ab4bb9a1a wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yazeed Alabdulkarim<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Research and Innovation Chief Scientist, the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Yazeed Alabdulkarim is a Research and Innovation Chief Scientist at the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), delving into emerging technologies with a specialization in blockchain, data analytics, and immersive technologies. He is an Assistant Professor at King Saud University with a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California. Yazeed is also an audit committee member for AZM Fintech company. He has published several papers and technical reports in prestigious academic forums as well as international organizations, including the World Economic Forum (WEF) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).&nbsp; His multifaceted roles underscore his academic prowess, technical acumen, and commitment to technological innovation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advisor, Research &amp; Innovation, Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE) Dubai<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>12:25 &#8211; 12:30 Launch of the Minecraft Education Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-70c889eed135948b91ac8a0635e3b86c wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>12:30 &#8211; 13:30 Digital Solutions &#8211; Real Impact: Leveraging Virtual Worlds for Global Change&nbsp; the Minecraft Education Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This session highlighted a series of transformative case studies where virtual worlds, the metaverse and spatial computing have been harnessed to address global challenges. The experts delved into lessons learned, emerging challenges, the vast opportunities for sustainable development brought by virtual worlds and metaverse and their impact on society from a multidisciplinary view and the policy challenges they will bring. Participants engaged in a dynamic discussion on how our day-to-day lives will be impacted by virtual worlds and the metaverse, catalysing positive change and steering us toward a more sustainable and socially connected future.<\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Nevine-tewfik-e1712656605322.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-279 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Nevine-tewfik-e1712656605322.jpg 205w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Nevine-tewfik-e1712656605322-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-78afa87a uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Nevine Tewfik<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-78afa87a uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7c1dd9210f6bee2024e314d9ca660e15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nevine Tewfik<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Senior International Relations Expert, Egypt&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nevine Tewfik holds a BA and MA degrees in Political Science from the American University in Cairo where she worked for several years as Instructor of Political Science. Nevine has also been working for the past 30 years in the field of International Relations, Research, Policies, Studies and strategic thinking. She is currently The General Manager of the General Department of International Organizations, conferences and external relations, as well as senior IR Expert at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, focusing on conceptualization, positioning and research. Prior to that she held several positions including Head of Research, Studies and Policies, Deputy Director and Head of The European Cooperation Department. Her current work cuts across the different portfolios of the International relations division on the bilateral and multilateral levels, where she is member of the Management Team. One of the founders of the IR Division at MCIT, Nevine has represented the ministry in numerous international platforms and organizations since then. Nevine is vice chair of SG5 on \u201cThe Environment, climate change and circular economy\u201d, vice chair of WP2, vice chair of the African and Arab Regional groups and co- rapporteur of question 7 on Circular economy including e-waste. Nevine was actively involved in the Green ICT program at MCIT and the Sustainable Recycling Industries project implemented in Egypt in cooperation with the Swiss government. Nevine has also been recently appointed as co chair of Working Group 8 on sustainability, accessibility and inclusion of the ITU Focus Group on Metaverse and member of the extended management team of the focus group. Nevine has recently earned a Certificate in Strategic Management and Innovation from the Copenhagen Business school within the Next Technology Leaders Initiative and The UNCTAD 45th regional course on key issues on the international economic agenda for countries in the middle east and north Africa. She has been recognized by the ITU for her outstanding contribution to ITU- T standards work in terms of Impact during WTSA-20. Nevine is active in counselling among other things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Moderator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senior International Relations Expert, Egypt&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Isabelle-Hupontbio_pic-e1712655454619-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-280 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Isabelle-Hupontbio_pic-e1712655454619-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Isabelle-Hupontbio_pic-e1712655454619-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Isabelle-Hupontbio_pic-e1712655454619-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Isabelle-Hupontbio_pic-e1712655454619-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Isabelle-Hupontbio_pic-e1712655454619-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Isabelle-Hupontbio_pic-e1712655454619.jpg 1545w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-29ad6af9 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Isabelle Hupont<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-29ad6af9 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eeadfb7bf7d4f8687fb34fe12535b83e wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Isabelle Hupont<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scientific Officer, Joint Research Centre, European Commission<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Isabelle Hupont Torres is a Scientific Officer at the Joint Research Center of the European Commission, exploring Virtual Worlds and Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the policy perspective and contributing to set the path towards a trustworthy and ethical use of emerging technologies in the European Union. She holds a PhD diploma in AI applied to the affective interaction with virtual agents, and counts with more than 18 years of experience in the field. Throughout her career, Isabelle has worked in institutions of different nature: academic (University of Zaragoza; Sorbonne University, Paris), technological institutes (Instituto Tecnol\u00f3gico de Arag\u00f3n, Zaragoza; Institut des Syst\u00e8mes Intelligents et de Robotique &#8211; CNRS, Paris), and private (Herta Security). Her research interests are AI, Affective Computing, Facial Analysis and Human-Machine (-Robot, -Computer, -Virtual Worlds) Interaction. She has published more than 80 scientific articles in highly-ranked journals and international conferences, and participated in more than 35 R&amp;D projects with top institutions in all these diverse but connected areas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scientific Officer, Joint Research Centre, European Commission [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Isabelle-Hupont.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Birdwell_PGP-3-2-1-4-e1757245008774.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-314 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-9d1ebec9 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Jonathan Birdwell<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-9d1ebec9 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52637d6b2677f2f182d95ea16bd945a1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jonathan Birdwell<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Global Head of Economist Impact\u2019s Policy and Insights team<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jonathan is Global Head of Economist Impact\u2019s Policy and Insights team. Economist Impact is the commercial arm and in-house think tank of The Economist Group, publisher of The Economist newspaper. Jonathan leads a global team of researchers, economists and subject matter experts to generate evidence-based insights for governments, international institutions, corporations, foundations, and NGOs around the world. Jonathan has over fifteen years of experience leading research and advising governments, international organisations and civil society on a wide range of topics including online safety and the social impact of new technologies. Prior to joining The Economist Group, Jonathan established and led the Strong Cities Network, was Deputy Director at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and Head of Programme at the London-based think tank Demos.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Global Head of Economist Impact\u2019s Policy and Insights team [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Johnathan-Birdwell.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Michele-Zilli.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-282 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Michele-Zilli.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Michele-Zilli-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Michele-Zilli-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Michele-Zilli-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-20baa0f1 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Michele Zilli<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-20baa0f1 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ee2451ebf54a53a74ea5daafc3948ec6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Michele Zilli<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Principal of Immersive Technologies, TUI Group<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Michele Zilli began his current role as Principal Engineer for Immersive Technologies at TUI in January 2022, focusing on harnessing cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experiences globally. With a strategic outlook, he spearheads initiatives to integrate advanced digital solutions across the travel and tourism industry. Prior to this, Michele served as Head of Big Data Transformation at TUI from December 2017, where he led significant data-driven projects that improved operational efficiencies and business insights, setting new standards in data utilization.<br>Earlier, Michele accumulated a wealth of experience at Vodafone, advancing from roles such as Big Data Analytics Senior Enterprise Architect to Operational Intelligence Lead. His tenure at Vodafone was marked by pioneering analytics solutions that bolstered enterprise capabilities. Michele\u2019s career also includes significant leadership stints at prominent organizations like Barclays and Unisys, where he managed large-scale IT operations and strategic partnerships, respectively. Notably, he co-founded Windward Secrets Management Ltd, steering the company as Director.<br>Michele holds a strong background in technology, further anchoring his professional achievements. His extensive experience across different sectors and his ability to merge technological innovation with strategic business needs distinctly positions him as a leader in the digital transformation sphere.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Principal of Immersive Technologies, TUI Group [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Michele-Zilli.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"491\" height=\"491\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/MBC-Photo-2-e1706783894104-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-333 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/MBC-Photo-2-e1706783894104-1.jpg 491w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/MBC-Photo-2-e1706783894104-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/MBC-Photo-2-e1706783894104-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-0e88bcfb uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Manuel Barreiro<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-0e88bcfb uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c018d0ca138317d2d3d3bab1afe5ef24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Manuel Barreiro<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CEO &amp; Founder, Aston Group<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manuel Barreiro Casta\u00f1eda is the founder and chairman of the Aston Group, a private equity firm with $1 billion in investments to date. The firm develops real estate projects and makes private equity investments with a focus on North America and Europe. Mr. Barreiro Casta\u00f1eda is a strategic leader with over 20 years of high-level experience in international real estate, successfully advising public and private sector stakeholders on the intersection of technology, sustainability, mobility, and smart cities. Committed to sustainability, he works to ensure that his firm&#8217;s development projects benefit the local community by improving quality of life, reducing inequality gaps, and positively impacting the environment according to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Actively involved in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), he serves as Vice Chairman of the ITU\u2019s \u201cWorking Group 8 on the Metaverse &#8211; Sustainability, Accessibility &amp; Inclusion,\u201d addressing sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion. Complementing his industry experience, he completed the Oxford Real Estate Programme and the Oxford Programme on Valuation of Private Assets at the University of Oxford. He also holds an Executive Master of Science (MSc) in Cities from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he further developed his knowledge in sustainable urban development, mobility, and water management to enhance the quality of life in large cities and small urban areas. This degree also sparked his interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), which will be at the center of his projects in the near future.<br>Mr. Barreiro Casta\u00f1eda also holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business and a Bachelor&#8217;s in International Business from Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. He completed academic exchange programs at higher learning institutions in Japan and Argentina, where he realized the importance of using technology for the benefit of vulnerable groups. This realization became his life&#8217;s mission \u2014 to create better cities for the future, starting in his native Mexico<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CEO &amp; Founder, Aston Group [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Manuel-Barreiro.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/SM_Picture.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-339 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/SM_Picture.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/SM_Picture-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/SM_Picture-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-b493f1cc uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Stela Mocan<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-b493f1cc uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4f0dc141cf1a9f2efb60465f7709097a wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stela Mocan<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Manager, Technology &amp; Innovation Lab, World Bank<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stela Mocan- is managing the Technology &amp; Innovation Unit\/Lab at the WBG CIO Office\/Information Technology Solutions VPU, which serves as an internal experimentation sandbox, knowledge and advisory hub around emerging technologies. The Lab partners with WBG staff to explore with and learn about the potential of emerging technologies to support WBG internal innovation and its development agenda efforts. During 2010-2015, she served as Moldova Government 1st Chief Information Officer and led the government digital transformation efforts. Stela holds a Master degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Master in Political Sciences from the National School of Political and Administrative Studies, Romania.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manager, Technology &amp; Innovation Lab, World Bank [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Stela-Mocan.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"243\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Neil-Trevett-e1687764642428-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-283 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-b060e186 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Neil Trevett<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-b060e186 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69b60ad9a5ae5da144299521bfc6775f wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Neil Trevett<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chair, Metaverse Standards Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neil is VP Developer Ecosystems at NVIDIA, where he helps developers harness GPU acceleration. Neil has been the elected President of the Khronos Group for over twenty years, where he helped initiate many metaverse-relevant standards including Vulkan, OpenXR, WebGL and the glTF run-time 3D asset format. Most recently Neil initiated and is now President of the Metaverse Standards Forum with over 2,500 member organizations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vice President Developer Ecosystems, NVIDIA &amp; President of the Metaverse Standards Forum [<a href=\"https:\/\/s43678.pcdn.co\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Neil-Trevett.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Q&amp;A<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-669c81c06982a7af959e6ddbd119c20d wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>13:30 &#8211; 13:45 Launch of the Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds&nbsp;&#8211; Discovering the CitiVerse<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"216\" height=\"226\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/franca-vinci-e1757245144482.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-284 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-5e8a3372 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Franca Vinci<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-5e8a3372 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-768aa7da77597b592911b3a7b7762ded wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Franca Vinci<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Head of Learning Services, UNICC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Franca Vinci is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in learning services tailored for the unique environment of the United Nations. Having joined the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) in 2002, Franca has been instrumental in shaping the organization&#8217;s IT learning strategy and implementing dedicated learning programs, particularly focused on supporting peacekeeping missions.<br>In her current role as the Head of Learning Services Unit at UNICC, Franca oversees the development and delivery of comprehensive learning solutions, including the expansion of learning services to all UNICC customers and the introduction of new services such as eLearning content development and Moodle-based Learning Management Systems.<br>Franca&#8217;s commitment to excellence extends beyond learning services, as evidenced by her involvement in change management initiatives, ensuring that learning strategies seamlessly align with broader organizational objectives, and by her proactive, self-directed leadership style complemented by a keen eye for detail.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Moderator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head of Learning Services, UNICC<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-243 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-d32f8b64 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Seizo Onoe<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-d32f8b64 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7da05f7f6f7fe55ff81d61c9e3eb652b wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Seizo Onoe<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seizo Onoe took office as Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023. Known in the industry as \u201cthe father of LTE\u201d (Long-Term Evolution mobile broadband), he now aims for global outreach to bridge standardization gaps, deliver the benefits of technology widely and speedily, and ensure meaningful and affordable broadband access for everyone. Before his election as TSB Director by ITU Member States, he completed an over 30-year career with Japanese mobile operator NTT DOCOMO. In 2021, he became Executive Vice President and Chief Standardization Strategy Officer for NTT Corporation and a Fellow of NTT DOCOMO. From 2017, he served as NTT DOCOMO\u2019s Chief Technology Architect and President of its subsidiary DOCOMO Technology. From 2012 to 2017, he served as NTT DOCOMO\u2019s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, a Member of the Board of Directors, and Managing Director of R&amp;D Innovation Division. Earlier, he served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of NTT DOCOMO\u2019s R&amp;D Strategy Department and Managing Director of the company\u2019s Radio Network Development Department. Mr Onoe holds a Master\u2019s degree in electronics from the Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-266 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Sameer-Chauhan-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-7b495b56 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Sameer Chauhan<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-7b495b56 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cbd0995cd3e498bf26ccebad5c0f0f92 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sameer Chauhan<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director, United Nations International Computing Centre, UNICC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr. Sameer Chauhan was appointed Director of the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) on 1 December 2019 by the United Nations Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres.<br>The Director has the responsibility to lead all aspects of UNICC\u2019s strategy and operations to facilitate the provision of services to more than 90 Clients and Partner Organizations, to establish the UNICC strategy, to develop a biennial business plan and budget and to implement the approved plan. The Director is accountable to the UNICC Management Committee (MC) that governs the organization and represents the entire United Nations system.<br>With the advice and backing of the MC, Mr. Chauhan has effectively led a strategic transformation of UNICC since he assumed his post. This has enabled UNICC to become the preferred strategic digital partner for the whole UN system and has empowered the organization to successfully build capabilities in areas such as cybersecurity, data, AI and automation, as well as in key business areas like treasury, finance and HR. As Chief of Clients and Projects, he started his career at UNICC in August 2015 in New York.<br>Mr. Chauhan has over twenty years of experience in the public and private sectors and an educational background in Computer Engineering and Computer Science. Before UNICC, Mr. Chauhan was the Head of Knowledge Management and Digital Marketing IT for Deutsche Bank (DB) Asset and Wealth Management. He played several roles at DB over eight years, including being the COO for an IT division of approximately 800 staff and the product manager responsible for a multi-billion dollar trading platform for DB Prime Brokerage. He also spent several years as a consultant for Deloitte, working across various industries including financial services, the public sector, telecom, manufacturing and software.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Director, United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"859\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-272 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus.png 864w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus-300x298.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Younus-768x764.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-1b378feb uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>H.E. Mr Younus Al Nasser<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-1b378feb uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ca4d44ffa2da0b58fa5cc761471641b3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>H.E. Mr Younus Al Nasser<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Data &amp; Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">H.E. Younus Al Nasser is a globally recognized leader in planning and implementing city-wide digital transformation, and building holistic data ecosystems. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, part of the Dubai Digital Authority, Al Nasser has played an instrumental role in Dubai\u2019s digital transformation over the past 7 years.<br>As the CEO of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, Al Nasser has overseen the creation of Data Governance models for the city creating policies and standards for data sharing, created a network of Data Champions across Dubai Government and Semi-Government entities, built the city\u2019s first Open Data sharing platform (Dubai Pulse) and has also charted the future of the city\u2019s data ecosystem by creating a Private-Sector Engagement Strategy.<br>Al Nasser is also a Member of the UAE AI Council leading the development of the UAE National Data Strategy, and is the Vice-Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Global Councils for SDG 11.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Data &amp; Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>13:45 &#8211; 14:30 Lunch Break<br>Light lunch will be served on the 2nd floor of the ITU Montbrillant building<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-256b734c91b0c1053f113b3bddfbbf9f wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>14:30 \u2013 15:15 Safeguarding the Virtual Experience: Safety, Privacy, and Accountability in Virtual Worlds<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The session focused on identifying challenges and opportunities related to privacy, accountability, safety and security in these virtual spaces. This panel discussion delved into the unique aspects of virtual worlds such as online communities and spatial computing, and addressed the measures and safeguards that need to be in place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"756\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/anamaria-meshkurti.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-287 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/anamaria-meshkurti.jpeg 755w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/anamaria-meshkurti-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/anamaria-meshkurti-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-b3504d2a uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Anamaria Meshkurti<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-b3504d2a uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d8dd8f6534a730a62d7fca75cd757979 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Anamaria Meshkurti<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tech Investor and Strategic Board Member, AMVS Capital<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AnaMaria Meshkurti is a Tech investor, Strategic Board Member at AMVS Capital, and Co-Editor-in-Chief of Moneys Magazine. Previously, she led Marketing, Communications, and Engagement at FONGIT, Switzerland&#8217;s premier technology startup platform. She mentors startups in AI, IoT, Blockchain, XR, and the Metaverse.<br>Meshkurti also served as a Programme Officer at the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU), focusing on digital inclusion and innovation. She managed the ITU Smart Incubator programme for tech startups in developing countries and organized the European Impact Summit 2020.<br>With diplomas in Business Administration, Marketing and Communications, and International Relations, Meshkurti holds leadership roles, including as Curator for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Shapers Geneva Hub and Chapter Leader for the HULT International Business School Alumni Association of Geneva. She&#8217;s an angel investor, board member at Swiss Virtual Reality Startup VR4Business.ch, and a speaker at international events on innovation. Meshkurti received the UN ITU Innovation award and was named one of the top 100 Swiss Digital Shapers in 2022 and 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Moderator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tech Investor and Strategic Board Member, AMVS Capital<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"328\" height=\"325\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Madan-M.-Oberoi-e1750781794243.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-286 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Madan-M.-Oberoi-e1750781794243.jpg 328w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Madan-M.-Oberoi-e1750781794243-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Madan-M.-Oberoi-e1750781794243-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 328px) 100vw, 328px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-1cf8f934 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Madan M. Oberoi<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-1cf8f934 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b33e4061287f984869dab699aad57c5e wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Madan M. Oberoi<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Executive Director of Technology and Innovation, INTERPOL<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr Madan M. Oberoi, a Fulbright Scholar in Cybersecurity from the University of Washington, began his policing career as an Indian Police Service officer of the 1992 batch. He holds a PhD in Cybercrime, a Master&#8217;s degree in Management and Systems from IIT Delhi, and degrees in Police Management and Technology.<br>Dr Oberoi is the Executive Director of Technology and Innovation at INTERPOL, overseeing INTERPOL\u2019s Information Systems and Technology Directorate, Innovation Centre, and Capacity Building and Training Directorate. Until May 2019, he led the Delhi Police&#8217;s Special Cell responsible for conducting anti-terror operations, combating cybercrime and organized crime. Additionally, he was an Adviser for ICT at the Ministry of Home Affairs, India and the first Director General of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).<br>From 2014-2017, he served as INTERPOL&#8217;s Director of Cybercrime and as Inspector General of Police with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India. Previously, as a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr Oberoi led the police force in three districts, including the Central District of New Delhi.<br>Internationally, he led the Management Information Unit of the UN Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and served as Head of Data Centre in UN Mission in Kosovo.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Executive Director of Technology and Innovation, INTERPOL [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Madan-M.-Oberoi.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"458\" height=\"458\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Fabio-123-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-329 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Fabio-123-1.png 458w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Fabio-123-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Fabio-123-1-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 458px) 100vw, 458px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-7b6228ad uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Fabio Maggiore<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-7b6228ad uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c84c1b7acf7c8e676bfd080a765afdaf wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fabio Maggiore<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Head, Cyber Security Governance, UNICC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr. Fabio Maggiore has been with the United Nations International Computing Centre for over 15 years ago, where he currently heads the Cybersecurity Governance section.<br>As a member of UNICC&#8217;s Cybersecurity Division, he works together a large team of over 100 skilled cybersecurity professionals.<br>Mr. Maggiore has the responsibility to maintain UNICC&#8217;s cybersecurity programme by ensuring that it aligns with the overall organizational objectives of providing secure and robust digital business solutions for UNICC partners. His team also provides cybersecurity and data protection advisory and support services to the UNICC&#8217;s Partners. Together with his team, Mr. Maggiore has developed Cybersecurity services that not only leverage the experience acquired by supporting multiple agencies but also benefit from the economies of scale.<br>In addition to his current role, Mr. Maggiore has&nbsp;served as CISO for key UN agencies such as WMO and UNESCO and provided strategic cybersecurity advisory services to other UNICC partners as well. He holds certifications including CISSP, CRISC, CISM, CDPSE and C|CISO. He is flexible and goal-oriented allowing him to be particularly suited to the dynamic environment of the UN system as well as effectively understand and help mitigate UN system complex cybersecurity challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head, Cyber Security Governance, UNICC [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Maggiore-Fabio.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"325\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/brent-123-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-330 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/brent-123-1.png 325w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/brent-123-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/brent-123-1-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-854b4867 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Brent Milliken<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-854b4867 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b28bfe07d95a06b1c92ac5875b845527 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Brent Milliken<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CEO, IMVERSE<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He is an experienced Tech and Sales Leader for nearly three decades. As CEO of Imverse, his recent focus has been on the integration of 3D data, specializing in real-time capturing, processing, distributing, and viewing of holographic experiences. He was previously the Head of Business Development for Chainlink Labs (Blockchain) and Finastra (Fintech). He also spent a decade at Microsoft, where he was the Director of Channel Sales in Western Europe. He is the Co-Founder of two successful start-ups. He holds a post-grad degree in International Relations from the University of Amsterdam and Management Certificates from INSEAD.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CEO, IMVERSE  [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Brent-Milliken.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"620\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Yazeed-e1757117449872.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-259 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Yazeed-e1757117449872.jpeg 676w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Yazeed-e1757117449872-300x275.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-7f0b6861 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Yazeed I. Alabdulkarim<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-7f0b6861 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108285bd64452c095f26e09ab4bb9a1a wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yazeed Alabdulkarim<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Research and Innovation Chief Scientist, the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Yazeed Alabdulkarim is a Research and Innovation Chief Scientist at the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), delving into emerging technologies with a specialization in blockchain, data analytics, and immersive technologies. He is an Assistant Professor at King Saud University with a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California. Yazeed is also an audit committee member for AZM Fintech company. He has published several papers and technical reports in prestigious academic forums as well as international organizations, including the World Economic Forum (WEF) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).&nbsp; His multifaceted roles underscore his academic prowess, technical acumen, and commitment to technological innovation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advisor, Research &amp; Innovation, Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE) Dubai<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"935\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Dylan-Reim-1024x935.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-288 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Dylan-Reim-1024x935.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Dylan-Reim-300x274.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Dylan-Reim-768x701.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Dylan-Reim-1536x1402.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Dylan-Reim.jpg 1872w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-e7fa8286 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Dylan Reim<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-e7fa8286 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e85844b0997675fc15f376ca6c3c9723 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dylan Reim<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lead for Metaverse Governance, World Economic Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dylan Reim serves as Lead of the World Economic Forum\u2019s Defining and Building the Metaverse Initiative. This body of work brings together leading voices from the private sector, civil society, academia, and policy to define the parameters of an economically viable, interoperable, safe, and inclusive future internet. The Metaverse Initiative has produced outputs including white papers, briefing papers, blogs, and live events to galvanize collaboration on immersive technology development and governance. Looking forward, Dylan hopes to continue engaging with global stakeholders to examine how the convergence of frontier technologies will revolutionize both the value potential and governance needs of the future internet. Prior to his work at the Forum, Dylan held roles on the Legal and Trust &amp; Safety teams at Google, as well as the Wharton School\u2019s San Francisco campus. He holds a degree in philosophy and political science from the University of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lead for Metaverse Governance, World Economic Forum [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Dylan-Reim.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Q&amp;A<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-b7d968ba334b005238419c4ef2a4b5c6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>15:15 &#8211; 16:00 Virtual Horizons: Unlocking the Potential of the Virtual Worlds for the Sustainable Development Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dive into the cutting-edge realm of virtual worlds as we unveil the transformative power they hold in advancing the United Nations&#8217; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This session, &#8220;Virtual Horizons,&#8221; showcased a selection of pioneering UN projects harnessing the potential of virtual environments to drive positive change. Through immersive presentations and interactive demonstrations, participants gained insights into the innovative ways the UN is utilising virtual technologies to foster global collaboration, raise awareness, and enact real-world impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bilel-Jamoussi-10-scaled-e1712934558730-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-291 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bilel-Jamoussi-10-scaled-e1712934558730-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bilel-Jamoussi-10-scaled-e1712934558730-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bilel-Jamoussi-10-scaled-e1712934558730-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bilel-Jamoussi-10-scaled-e1712934558730-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bilel-Jamoussi-10-scaled-e1712934558730-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Bilel-Jamoussi-10-scaled-e1712934558730.jpg 1702w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-4535b1b6 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Bilel Jamoussi<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-4535b1b6 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bc741ea789668af49a004c35678d6f3b wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bilel Jamoussi<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Deputy Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tunisian born, Dr Bilel Jamoussi is Deputy Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU in Geneva Switzerland. Since 2010, he has been leading the bureau\u2019s standards-making activities into a new era characterized by rapid convergence and the need for increased collaboration with vertical sectors and partnership between developed and developing countries. Prior to 2010, Jamoussi worked for a Telecommunication equipment and solutions provider for 15 years in Canada and then in the United States where he held several leadership positions and was granted 22 US patents in diverse areas including packet, optical, wireless, and quality of service. He holds a BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in Computer Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, USA. He is fluent in Arabic, French, and English and speaks some Spanish and German.\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Moderator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deputy Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"332\" height=\"314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/nevena-alexandrova.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-276 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/nevena-alexandrova.png 332w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/nevena-alexandrova-300x284.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-5ea9aaad uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Nevena Alexandrova<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-5ea9aaad uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agricultural Extension Officer, Policies and capacities for Innovation Unit leader, Office of Innovation, FAO [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Nevena-Alexandrova.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Tom-scaled-e1714738552186-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-290 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Tom-scaled-e1714738552186-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Tom-scaled-e1714738552186-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Tom-scaled-e1714738552186-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Tom-scaled-e1714738552186-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Tom-scaled-e1714738552186.jpg 1518w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-50d0ce9e uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Tom Wambeke<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-50d0ce9e uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9b5cc9f36f8fd8d5fa05588e57e5c478 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tom Wambeke<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chief Learning Innovation, International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A United Nations Senior Executive with 20 years of work experience in managing capacity development programmes with focus on learning innovation and digital transformation. Worked with cross-functional teams on innovation projects across more than 50 countries. Diplomas from the University of Leuven and University of Antwerp (Belgium) and executive certificates from the University of Stanford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Public speaker on Innovation, Strategic Foresight and digital transformation. Author of different toolkits, publications. Chief Learning Innovation of the Training Centre of the International Labour Organization since 2015. Specialized in providing sustainable learning solutions with the objective to generate impact and organizational change.<br>As a certified international facilitator (IAF) actively involved in strategy facilitation, participatory knowledge sharing, networked learning and ICT4Development. Passion for complexity adaptive thinking, intentional serendipity, foresight analysis and futures exploration.<br>The Programme he is leading has a double mandate: to strengthen the Centre\u2019s in-house capacity to apply state-of-the art learning, communication and knowledge sharing methods and technology, and to provide learning, innovation and communication services to outside partners on a global scale. In this context he works closely together with UN agencies, development banks, international organisations, governments and NGO\u2019s.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> Chief Learning Innovation, International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO) [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Tom-Wambeke.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Cristina-Bueti-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-294 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Cristina-Bueti-2025.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Cristina-Bueti-2025-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Cristina-Bueti-2025-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Cristina-Bueti-2025-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-ab803ca0 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Cristina Bueti<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-ab803ca0 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34a900ac8018a590befa593f194ef619 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cristina Bueti<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Counsellor, ITU<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200bCristina Bueti is the ITU Focal Point on Smart Sustainable Cities. She is also the Counsellor of ITU-T Study Group 20 \u201cInternet of things (IoT) and smart cities and communities (SC&amp;C)\u201d and the Counsellor of the Focus Group on metaverse at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). She also serves as TSB\/ITU focal point for Latin America. Cristina Bueti graduated from the Faculty of Political Science, Law and International Cooperation and Development of the University of Florence, where she completed postgraduate studies in International Cooperation and Telecommunications Law in Europe. She \u200balso holds a specialization in Environmental Law with a special focus on Telecommunications. In 2003, Ms. Bueti built on her academic credentials by completing a specialized course in peace keeping and international cooperation with special focus on telecommunications at the Faculty of Laws, University of Malta, before joining the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva in January 2004. As part of the International Women\u2019s Day 2016, she was named as one of the twenty Geneva-based inspirational women working to protect the environment. She has authored over 40 reports on telecommunication issues. A native Italian speaker, Cristina is also fluent in English, French and Spanish.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> Counsellor, ITU<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Okan-Geray-scaled-2-e1692864793867.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-293 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Okan-Geray-scaled-2-e1692864793867.jpg 256w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Okan-Geray-scaled-2-e1692864793867-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-03a0226f uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Okan Geray<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-03a0226f uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40cc8476714866e89ad75fe797ff46cd wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Okan Geray<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strategic planning Advisor, Digital Dubai<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Okan Geray has more than 25 years of experience in consulting and advisory roles across various industries. He has consulted for a number of organizations in Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, South Africa, Turkey and Dubai. He worked at A.T. Kearney global management consulting firm for 6 years and was a member of the Global Telecommunications and Higher Technology core team before he joined Dubai Government in 2002. He has worked as the Strategic Planning Advisor in Dubai eGovernment, Dubai Smart Government, Smart Dubai Office and recently Dubai Digital Authority. His responsibilities include Strategic Planning, Strategic Performance Management and Policy Making among others.<br>Dr. Geray is the U4SSC Chair (U4SSC is a UN initiative coordinated by ITU, UNECE and UN-Habitat and supported by other 16 UN bodies, that help support the development of institutional policies and strategies which encourage the use of digital technologies to facilitate digital transformation and ease the transition to smart sustainable cities). He is leading several thematic groups globally for U4SSC namely \u201cGuidelines on Strategies for Circular Cities\u201d, \u201cCity Science Application Framework\u201d, \u201cAI in Cities\u201d, \u201cEnabling People-Centered Cities through Digital Transformation\u201d, and \u201cDigital Wellbeing\u201d.<br>Dr. Geray is the Co-Rapporteur of the ITU Study Group 20, Question 7 on \u201cEvaluation and assessment of Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities\u201d. He is a member of the IEC-ISO-ITU Joint Smart Cities Task Force (J-SCTF). He is Co-Chairing the Working Group \u201cEconomic, regulatory &amp; competition aspects\u201d in the ITU Focus Group on metaverse (FG-MV). He was also the Co-Chair of the \u201cData Economy Impact, Commercialization and Monetization\u201d Working Group, part of the ITU Focus Group on Data Processing and Management.<br>Dr. Geray holds a double major B. Sc. degree in Industrial and Computer Engineering from Bosphorus University in Istanbul Turkey, an M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. degree in Systems and Control Engineering from the University of Massachusetts in the US. He has published several journal and conference papers and was an adjunct lecturer in management for 15 years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strategic planning Advisor, Digital Dubai [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cristina-BuetiOkan-Geray.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"331\" height=\"331\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mounir-123-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-331 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mounir-123-1.png 331w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mounir-123-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Mounir-123-1-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 331px) 100vw, 331px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-f441bba3 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Mounir Tabet<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-f441bba3 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44d99a7e27dfcc20031b06dea452fbf6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mounir Tabet<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr. Mounir Tabet (Canada) took up his official functions as Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on the 7th of September 2018.<br>Prior to this, Mr. Tabet served as the UNDP Country Director for Iraq (2016-2018) where he oversaw the program on stabilization and transition. From 2013 to 2016, Mr. Tabet served as the UN &amp; UNDP Resident Coordinator in Tunisia, providing support to the transition including on electoral support, constitution making, parliamentary effectiveness and anti-corruption. Previously, Mr. Tabet was the Country Director of UNDP Egypt (2007-2013) where he led support to development efforts. From 2004-2007 he was the Senior Program Advisor in the Regional Bureau for Arab States in UNDP HQ in New York. Previously, Mr. Tabet was Edward S. Mason fellow at Harvard University \u2013 the Kennedy School of Government. There, he completed a Masters degree in Public Administration. He holds a Masters degree in Economics from the University of Ottawa. Between 1989 and 2003, Mr Tabet served in a variety of country and HQ positions with UNDP. Prior to joining UNDP, Mr. Tabet worked with the North South Institute and the International Development Research Centre in Ottawa and the University of Ottawa.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">eputy Executive Secretary, UNESCWA [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Mounir-Tabet.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Igor.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-340 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Igor.png 480w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Igor-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Igor-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-1f1d7988 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Igor Litvinyuk<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-1f1d7988 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1918b076f1c5c9d488c33ebc240d0e4b wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor Litvinyuk<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Programme Officer for Energy Efficiency area of work of the Sustainable Energy Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Igor Litvinyuk is Programme Officer for Energy Efficiency area of work of the Sustainable Energy Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva. Igor Litvinyuk manages substantive work of the respective Group of Experts and its thematic Task Forces, which support intergovernmental process of the Committee on Sustainable Energy by advancing the agenda on industry, buildings, digitalization, e-mobility, and cross-cutting themes.<br>Mr. Litvinyuk holds a PhD in Economics.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secretary, UNECE Group of Experts on Energy Efficiency [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Igor-Litvinyuk.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"958\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/jaimee-profile-pic-scaled-1-e1757245801767-1024x958.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-296 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/jaimee-profile-pic-scaled-1-e1757245801767-1024x958.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/jaimee-profile-pic-scaled-1-e1757245801767-300x281.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/jaimee-profile-pic-scaled-1-e1757245801767-768x719.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/jaimee-profile-pic-scaled-1-e1757245801767.jpg 1485w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-80de0b9d uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Jaimee Stuart<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-80de0b9d uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8d4f4d1f078459eb8496cf43be0a6bf8 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jaimee Stuart<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Senior Researcher, United Nations University (UNU)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Jaimee Stuart is a Senior Researcher and Team Lead at the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau).&nbsp;She is an applied cultural and developmental psychologist specialising in digital health and well-being.&nbsp;Her work focuses on computer-human interaction, examining a broad range of issues related to social justice, peace, and development in the context of digital transformation. Jaimee\u2019s research has explored topics such as gendered influences on cybersecurity and AI, cyberbullying, social media literacies, digital competencies, parenting and technology, online disinhibition, and the impact of emerging technologies on mental health.&nbsp;Her work aims to support the creation of safe and secure online spaces for everyone, although her specific focus concerns empowerment for minorities (cultural, religious, gender, and sexual orientation) as well as those who experience inflated risk factors (e.g., exposure to violence, low socio-economic status, displacement). Before joining UNU Macau, Dr.&nbsp;Stuart worked as the Research and Evidence Lead at Pathways in Place, Griffith University, Australia and is an Adjunct at the Schools of Psychology at Griffith University, Australia as well as Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand as well as the Chair of the EQUALS consortium Steering Committee for gender equality in STEM.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senior Researcher, United Nations University (UNU) <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1015\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Auxane-Boch-profile-picture-scaled-1-e1757245770662-1024x1015.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-295 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Auxane-Boch-profile-picture-scaled-1-e1757245770662-1024x1015.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Auxane-Boch-profile-picture-scaled-1-e1757245770662-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Auxane-Boch-profile-picture-scaled-1-e1757245770662-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Auxane-Boch-profile-picture-scaled-1-e1757245770662-768x761.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Auxane-Boch-profile-picture-scaled-1-e1757245770662.jpg 1417w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-1b6bba1a uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Auxane Boch<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-1b6bba1a uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c57ae3d7734e3e0300a99f2b136a2b07 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Auxane Boch<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cyberpsychologist and research associate, Technical University of Munich (TUM)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Auxane Boch is a cyberpsychologist and research associate at the Technical University of Munich (TUM)&#8217;s Institute for Ethics in AI,&nbsp;and a doctoral candidate at the TUM School of Management.&nbsp;Auxane&#8217;s work involves human and societal-centric ethical evaluation of interactive technologies from a human-computer or human-robot interaction perspective while exploring the impact of technologies, from AI to video games and immersive realities,&nbsp;on humans&#8217; general health, well-being, and behaviours. She also has expertise in cultural AI ethics&nbsp;and AI governance. She works closely with Women in AI and recently took the position of Munich city lead, in addition to her role as&nbsp;Women in Games Ambassador.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cyberpsychologist and research associate, Technical University of Munich (TUM) [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Stuart-Jaimee-Auxane-Boch.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Q&amp;A<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>16:00 &#8211; 16:30 Coffee Break<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-7aac46f1306fcf974f7829f621d59b3f wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>16:30 &#8211; 18:00 Imagining Tomorrow: Exploring the Potential of Virtual Worlds to Advance the Sustainable Development Goals and Discover Opportunities in the Future Landscape<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This session gathered diverse perspectives on the future of virtual worlds and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It explored how virtual worlds can be used to envision and plan, emphasising the intersection of emerging digital technologies, diplomacy, and global challenges. The session explored potential ways for future approaches to leveraging the virtual worlds, including spatial computing and metaverse, and aims to push the boundaries of imagination and innovation, fostering a world better prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Join us as we explore the UN and World Bank\u2019s strategic foresight initiatives, offering a unique perspective on shaping the future landscape and contributing as a vital input to the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Facilitated by:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<li>UN Futures Lab\/Global Hub<\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<li>World Bank ITS Technology &amp; Innovation Lab<\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<li>UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO)<\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<li>International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO)<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-89c12c012c3911a1744b3eed67611511 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>18:00 &#8211; 18:30 Digital Transformation for Hydrology and Water Resources: A look into the future<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Hwirin-Kim-e1697182974810-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-300 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Hwirin-Kim-e1697182974810-300x300-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Hwirin-Kim-e1697182974810-300x300-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-6a080424 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Hwirin Kim<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-6a080424 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-858c6c6c63261c5620152e4f823f450f wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hwirin Kim<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Head Hydrological and Water Resources Services Division, WMO<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr Hwirin Kim has been serving as the Head of Hydrological and Water Resources Service Division of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), since 2019. The HWR division supports the enhancement of Members\u2019 hydrological and water resources services by coordinating diverse projects and programmes such as the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM, WMO\/GWP), the Global Flash Flood Guidance System (GFFGS), the WMO Community of Practice (CoP) on Flood Forecasting (FF) and Early Warning Systems (EWS), and other activities related to hydrologic forecasting and water resources assessment and management.<br>\u200bBefore joining WMO, Dr Kim was with the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea (2005-2019), as leader of the Forecasting and Disaster Risk Reduction team of the Han River Flood Control Office, mainly working in the areas of flood forecasting and integrated water resources management. She was the first hydrologist in the Ministry and holds a Doctorate degree (PhD) in Water Resources Engineering and a Masters\u2019 degree (M.Sc.) in Hydrology. As an expert in hydrology and water resources management, she has made significant contributions to multiple programmes such as, Member of the Advisory Working Group (AWG) of WMO Commission for Hydrology (2016-2019), Theme leader of WMO Regional Association II Working Group Hydrological Services (2012-2019) and Focal point for both the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (2011-2014) and the ESCAP\/WMO Typhoon Committee (2010-2014). She has also led the development of an assessment tool for managing of water resources, which has been made available to the public at WMO\u2019s website.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Moderator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head Hydrological and Water Resources Services Division, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"260\" height=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Johan_logoDSC1128-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-299 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Johan_logoDSC1128-2.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Johan_logoDSC1128-2-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 260px) 100vw, 260px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-82bcc5ae uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Johan Stander<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-82bcc5ae uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b7cb259b3016e6f12d4c76d970cbf04f wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Johan Stander<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director Services Department, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr Johan Stander, the Director of Services since August 2020, brings strong leadership and management skills as well as extensive international experience to WMO.<br>Dr Johan Stander was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He studied meteorology, then obtained a PhD in oceanography. Dr Stander worked for the South African Weather Service before joining WMO. He often speaks about the great opportunities his country provided him first as a forecaster from 1989 then promoting him to positions of greater prominence that permitted him to gain extensive national and international experience. He brings experience in observations, data, research, services and stakeholder relations as well as 15 years of promoting collaboration at the international and national level to WMO.<br>Dr Stander first served WMO in 2005 when he was elected to the Executive Council Working Group for Antarctic Meteorology. In 2009, he was elected to serve on the Joint Tariff Agreement executive board and in 2010 elected as vice-chair to the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel. In 2012, he was elected as Co-President of the WMO-IOC\/UNESCO Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM), the only joint commission under the UN system, a position he held until 2019 when Congress approved the reform of the technical commission.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Director Services Department, WMO<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Stefan-Uhlenbrook-WMO-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-298 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Stefan-Uhlenbrook-WMO-300x300-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Stefan-Uhlenbrook-WMO-300x300-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-761672df uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Stefan Uhlenbrook<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-761672df uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f576d8dea5b75e8f6725cf9f285cfeb4 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stefan Uhlenbrook<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director, Hydrology, Water and Cryosphere Branch, WMO<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr Stefan Uhlenbrook\u2019 s main expertise includes water management, hydrological processes and modelling across scales (i.e., floods and droughts), and the water-energy-food-ecosystems nexus. He is a renown academic and has led\/contributed to many projects in Africa, Asia, Europe and MENA that have demonstrated the impact of global changes on water, and they provided effective solutions to address these challenges through integrated approaches. He is experienced on translating science-based knowledge to effective policies, strategies and services that contribute to environmental, economic and societal sustainability.<br>Since September 2022, Stefan leads the Hydrology, Water and Cryosphere program of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the UN Specialized Agency for Weather, Climate and Water. He is very exciting to contribute to the Organisation\u2019s program and, among other things, strengthen the early warning systems for floods and droughts as well as water resources assessment and management worldwide. During 2019-2022, he has focused his interest to water and food system transformations to provide healthy and nutritious food for all while considering the vital role of water and ecosystems. Previously, he served as the director of water, food and ecosystems at IWMI (2019-2022, Sri Lanka), Coordinator of UNESCO\u2019s World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP, 2015-2019, Italy), and the Deputy Director and acting Director of UNESCO-IHE (now IHE-Delft, Netherlands, 2005-2015). He has been a professor at IHE-Delft (2005 onwards) and Delft University of Technology (2009-2020), The Netherlands. He did his PhD (1999) and habilitation (2003) at the University of Freiburg, Germany.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Director, Hydrology, Water and Cryosphere Branch, WMO [<a href=\"https:\/\/s43678.pcdn.co\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Stefan-Uhlenbrook.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Yun-Seong-Deok.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-303 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Yun-Seong-Deok.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Yun-Seong-Deok-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-0f55d0c4 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>H.E. Mr Seong Deok Yun<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-0f55d0c4 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89e8eb6d7b7d0deb6623121117cda21b wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Seong Deok Yun<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ambassador Seong deok Yun is the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva, since 20 December 2022.<br>Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr.\u202fYun had been serving as Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs at the Republic of Korea\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs since February 2022. He served as Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister from June 2021 to February 2022. He served as the Republic of Korea\u2019s Ambassador to Morocco from July 2018 to June 2021. He was also Director-General for Bilateral Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from February 2017 to July 2018.<br>A career diplomat, Mr. Yun joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1989. Among others, he has served as Minister at the Korean Embassy in Belgium and the Korean Mission to the European Union from November 2013 to July 2018, and First Secretary there from December 1998 to January 2002; Deputy Consul-General at the Korean Consulate General in Guangzhou, China from July 2011 to November 2013; Minister-Counsellor at the Korean Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva from December 2008 to July 2011; and First Secretary at the Korean Embassy to Lebanon from January 2002 to June 2005.<br>Mr. Yun was born on 7 March 1967. He has a bachelor\u2019s degree in English language and literature from Seoul National University in Seoul, Republic of Korea (1989).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"401\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Febrian-123-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-332 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Febrian-123-1.png 401w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Febrian-123-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Febrian-123-1-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-558f4baf uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>H.E. Mr Febrian A. Ruddyard<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-558f4baf uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8720227ad1c77832e6b82eefff55b6be wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>H.E. Mr Febrian A. Ruddyard<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, WTO and other International Organizations in Geneva<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ambassador Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard has been serving as Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and other international organizations in Geneva since December 2021.<br>Before his appointment in Geneva, Mr. Ruddyard served as Deputy Minister for Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in Jakarta from 2017 to 2021. During this period, he was appointed as the Governor of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), the Co-Chair of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) Countering Violent Extremism Working Group (CVE WG), and Co-Chair of the Senior Official Meeting (SOM) of the Bali Process.<br>Ambassador Ruddyard joined the Indonesian diplomatic corps in 1990 and has a long record of working in various areas of issues and positions. Among others are Director for Middle East Affairs (2013-2014) and Director for International Security and Disarmament Affairs (2010-2013).<br>From 2015 to 2017, Mr. Ruddyard served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indonesian Embassy in Vienna. His diplomatic assignment includes the Indonesian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, and Riyadh. Mr. Ruddyard also served as the Coordinator of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on Disarmament Affairs in New York from 2007 to 2010.<br>Ambassador Ruddyard holds a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Birmingham. He is married with three sons.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, WTO and other International Organizations in Geneva<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"260\" height=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Ian_Lisk.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-301 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Ian_Lisk.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Ian_Lisk-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 260px) 100vw, 260px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-0e74f2f8 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Ian Lisk<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-0e74f2f8 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38fcbd109fc9c0053b906c7c37c75d04 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ian Lisk<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>President, WMO Services Commission<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ian Lisk is the first president of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Commission for Weather, Climate, Hydrological, Marine and Related Environmental Services and Applications (SERCOM). Since SERCOM was established in July 2019, Ian has led the development of new structures and partnerships to better coordinate and oversee the delivery of \u2018useful, usable and used\u2019 services to better protect and save lives and livelihoods around the world. Ian has worked for the UK Met Office in a variety of forecasting, training and senior management roles for over 35-years and has been involved in the work of WMO since 2003, primarily through the former Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology (CAeM) where he served as vice-president from 2010-18 and as the last CAeM president from 2018-19. Ian is based in Exeter in the south-west of England and is married with three children.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President, WMO Services Commission<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"775\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Monique-Kuglitsch.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-304 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Monique-Kuglitsch.png 737w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Monique-Kuglitsch-285x300.png 285w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-a38a1ddd uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Monique Kuglitsch<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-a38a1ddd uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d321a2a2e73bcb789a2516ee0b27bf50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Monique Kuglitsch<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Innovation Manager, Fraunhofer HHI<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Monique Kuglitsch is the Innovation Manager at Fraunhofer HHI and Chair of the newly established ITU\/WMO Focus Group on AI for Natural Disaster Management. She previously managed operations for the ITU\/WHO Focus Group on AI for Health. In her past role at the American Meteorological Society, M. Kuglitsch was the Lead Technical Editor for several journals (including the Journal of Hydrometeorology and Journal of Physical Oceanography) and the Senior International Outreach\/Communications Specialist. As a researcher, M. Kuglitsch has investigated past climate change, extreme weather events, and regional climate model projections. M. Kuglitsch has experience in fluvial and limnological field work, geochemical laboratory methods, applied mathematics and statistics, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Innovation Manager, Fraunhofer HHI &nbsp;[<a href=\"https:\/\/s43678.pcdn.co\/metaverse\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Monique-Kuglitsch.pdf\">Presentation<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-243 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Seizo_Onoe-web-e1712654879307-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-e06428a3 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Seizo Onoe<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-e06428a3 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7da05f7f6f7fe55ff81d61c9e3eb652b wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Seizo Onoe<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seizo Onoe took office as Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023. Known in the industry as \u201cthe father of LTE\u201d (Long-Term Evolution mobile broadband), he now aims for global outreach to bridge standardization gaps, deliver the benefits of technology widely and speedily, and ensure meaningful and affordable broadband access for everyone. Before his election as TSB Director by ITU Member States, he completed an over 30-year career with Japanese mobile operator NTT DOCOMO. In 2021, he became Executive Vice President and Chief Standardization Strategy Officer for NTT Corporation and a Fellow of NTT DOCOMO. From 2017, he served as NTT DOCOMO\u2019s Chief Technology Architect and President of its subsidiary DOCOMO Technology. From 2012 to 2017, he served as NTT DOCOMO\u2019s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, a Member of the Board of Directors, and Managing Director of R&amp;D Innovation Division. Earlier, he served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of NTT DOCOMO\u2019s R&amp;D Strategy Department and Managing Director of the company\u2019s Radio Network Development Department. Mr Onoe holds a Master\u2019s degree in electronics from the Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-7cf1e2345b4e207470eef75aaed9a15e wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>18:30 &#8211; 18:40 Closing Ceremony<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Conference Chair presented the closing remarks, summarising the day&#8217;s discussions and outlining the next steps.<\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"http:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Radia-Funna-BIO-PIC-scaled-e1712662740476.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-269 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Radia-Funna-BIO-PIC-scaled-e1712662740476.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/09\/Radia-Funna-BIO-PIC-scaled-e1712662740476-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-modal uagb-block-541e1783 uagb-modal-wrapper\" data-escpress=\"enable\" data-overlayclick=\"enable\"><span class=\"uagb-modal-text uagb-modal-trigger\"><strong>Radia Funna<\/strong><\/span><div class=\"uagb-effect-default uagb-modal-popup uagb-block-541e1783 uagb-modal-type-undefined\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-wrap\"><div class=\"uagb-modal-popup-content\"><div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d56e290fdb5282dc29d0e73e518e7395 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Radia Funna<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Futurist and creator of the xHuman theory and Chair of the 1st UN Virtual Worlds Day<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Radia Funna is an internationally recognized theorist whose xHuman theory explores the impact of frontier technology on people, institutions, and societal structures. She is the founder and principal at Build n Blaze, a 12-year-old consulting firm advising on strategy, policy, and transformation in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Radia holds leadership positions blending emerging technology and policy, most recently in metaverse related standardization at ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector\u2019s Focus Group on metaverse, where she is Vice Chair of both the General Working Group and the Working Group on Security, Data &amp; Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Protection; and Chair of the Task Groups on Implications for people in the metaverse; and Building confidence and security in the metaverse including PII protection. She is a member of Stimson Center\u2019s Alfred Lee Loomis Innovation Council (a forum for technology leaders and policymakers in the United States to share expertise, build innovative solutions to 21st century problems, and consider the future of U.S. technology policy); and the Trust and Safety Teaching Consortium (launched by Stanford University\u2019s Internet Observatory to share open access teaching material on online trust and safety). Radia is an informal advisor to the UN and an advocate of the Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><button class=\"uagb-modal-popup-close\" aria-label=\"Close Modal\"><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chair of the 1st UN Virtual Worlds Day<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>19:00 &#8211; 21:00 Cocktail Reception<br>Cocktail Reception was served on the 2nd floor of the ITU Montbrillant building<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>                            <div class=\"ituContainer\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>                                <p>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\" class=\"ituBtn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\n            Back to the main page of UN Virtual Worlds Day        <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-265","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Yining ZHAO","author_link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/author\/zhaoyi\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=265"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/265\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/un-virtual-worlds-day\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}