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The United Nations today marked a historic moment with the launch of the first-ever Digital Cooperation Day during its General Assembly High-Level Week in New York. The event, convened by the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), aims to advance global collaboration in digital governance while highlighting Africa’s pivotal role in shaping the future of technology.
The day-long programme brings together global leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to explore AI governance, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive digital economies. It also commemorates the first anniversary of the Global Digital Compact, a framework promoting an open, secure, and inclusive digital future.
Amandeep Singh Gill, the UN secretary-general’s envoy on technology, emphasised that the event recognises Africa as central to the global digital agenda. “Panels and roundtables will explore inclusive digital economies, city and country-led initiatives, and digital public infrastructure as a foundation for safe, accountable, and open digital futures,” he said.
By Ruvarashe Gora
High-level sessions will also focus on privacy and human rights in data governance, AI innovation, and the use of digital tools to advance sustainable development and climate action. African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, are increasingly shaping global digital norms through investments in digital IDs, fintech, and AI research.
Speakers such as Nigeria’s Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director-general of the National Identity Management Commission, and Kenya’s Dr. Bitange Ndemo, ambassador to Belgium, are expected to highlight Africa’s growing influence. “This is a chance to put Africa’s priorities, affordability, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth at the heart of global digital governance,” Ndemo said.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, more than 300 million Africans have come online over the past five years, though access and infrastructure gaps remain. Initiatives under the Global Digital Compact, including universal internet connectivity and AI capacity-building, aim to close these gaps and ensure equitable digital participation.
The UN says the Compact is about translating principles into action. With a young population and thriving tech hubs, Africa is not only set to benefit from digital transformation but is positioned to lead in shaping an open, safe, and innovative digital future. The proceedings are livestreamed from New York, giving Africans a front-row view of a global dialogue that could define the next decade of digital cooperation.
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