Organized by the Office of the United Nations for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), the event represents an opportunity to bridge divides and empower Africa's youth-driven economy.
It comes exactly one year after the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, a historic milestone for building an inclusive and secure digital future.
The one-day program will feature global leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society, focusing on topics such as AI governance, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive digital economies.
Amandeep Singh Gill, the UN Secretary-General's envoy on technology, emphasized that for the Africa, where rapid digitalization is reshaping societies, the event recognizes that the continent is fundamental to the global digital agenda.
65% of Sub-Saharan Africa still remains offline
Panels and roundtables will explore inclusive digital economies, the localization of digital cooperation through city- and country-led efforts, and the development of digital public infrastructures as a foundation for an open, secure, and responsible digital future, he said.
Centrally, ODET further highlighted that the high-level sessions will also address privacy and human rights in data governance, the role of AI in the arts and innovation, and the use of digital tools to promote sustainable development and climate action.
By combining reflections on progress with forward-looking initiatives, Digital Cooperation Day 2025 provides a platform for stakeholders to examine how digital technologies can be used responsibly to promote inclusion, equity, and shared prosperity around the world, ODET said.
African nations are increasingly leading the continent's digital policy and innovation agenda. Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda are among the pioneers, investing in digital identities, financial technology, and artificial intelligence research.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, from Nigeria, director-general of the National Identity Management Commission, spoke yesterday and highlighted Africa's growing influence in shaping global standards.
Dr. Bitange Ndemo, Kenya's ambassador to Belgium and a digital policy expert, another keynote speaker, has previously stressed that the stakes for Africa are high.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, more than 300 million Africans have gained access to the internet in the last five years, but the continent still lags behind in terms of affordable access and digital infrastructure.
Initiatives under the Global Digital Compact, such as universal internet connectivity and AI capacity building, could reduce these disparities.
“This is an opportunity to put Africa's priorities, accessibility, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth at the center of global digital governance.”, said Ndemo.
The UN emphasizes that the Compact aims to translate principles into action. With its young population and thriving technology hubs, Africa is poised not only to benefit from, but also to lead the way in building an open, secure, and innovative digital future.
The proceedings will be broadcast live from New York, offering Africans a front-row seat to a global dialogue that could shape the next decade of digital cooperation.
