2026 Digital World Conference (DWC) AI for Social Development
Date: 21 April, 2026 Venue: Room XI, Palais des Nations, United Nations Office in Geneva Format of Event: In-person Co-Organizers: United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) and World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA)
Context: As digital technologies continue to evolve, they have the potential to transform governance, public services, and livelihoods—from on-demand health and education platforms to more efficient urban management and new forms of entrepreneurship. Yet persistent gaps in connectivity and device access leave many communities marginalized, while the benefits of data-driven innovation remain concentrated in a few global actors. At the same time, emerging technologies such as generative AI, distributed ledgers and quantum computing are reshaping economies and societies, even as regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace. In the absence of robust safeguards, unchecked algorithmic decision-making, invasive surveillance and digital exclusion threaten to reinforce existing inequalities and erode public trust.
To tackle these systemic challenges, the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) and the World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA) are co-hosting the 2026 Digital World Conference (DWC). This event aims to bring together governments, businesses, youth leaders, and civil society to turn global digital aspirations into collaborative actions. The DWC seeks to critically examine pathways for accelerating innovation in ways that advance social justice, strengthen governance mechanisms to protect human rights and public interest, and ensure that the benefits of transformation are equitably shared.
Plenary Session II: AI & Data Governance :
While AI and data-driven systems offer the promise of greater efficiency and valuable insights, issues such as opaque algorithms, biased models, and concentrated control over data threaten to deepen social inequities and undermine privacy. This session will critically evaluate these governance gaps and collaboratively design interoperable, rights-based frameworks for data stewardship and AI accountability. It will conclude with concise, actionable guidance to uphold human rights, ensure transparency, and broaden safe technology access for everyone.- Speakers: Silvio Dulinsky, Deputy SG of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- Isabel Ebert, Co-Lead of the B-Tech Project of United Nations Human Rights
- Ya-Qin Zhang, Founding Dean of the Tsinghua institute for AI Industry Research (AIR)
- Caitlin Kraft-Buchman, CEO/Founder of Women at the Table, Founder of AI + Alliance (TBC)
- Boyang Xu, Project Lead, Digital Trade of the World Economic Forum (WEF)
- Moderator: Ekkehard Ernst, Chief Macroeconomic Policy Unit, International Labour Organization