The United Nations marks a historic moment today (September 22) when it launches the first-ever digital Cooperation Day on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, with several African leaders in attendance.
Convened by the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), the event presents a chance to bridge divides and empower Africa’s youth-driven digital economy.
It comes exactly one year after the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, a landmark framework for building an inclusive and secure digital future.
The day-long programme will feature global leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society, focusing on themes such as AI governance, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive digital economies.
Amandeep Singh Gill, the UN secretary-general’s envoy on technology, emphasised that for Africa, where rapid digitalisation is reshaping societies, the event recognises that the continent is central to the global digital agenda.
“Panels and roundtables will explore inclusive digital economies, the localisation of digital cooperation through city and country-led efforts, and the development of digital public infrastructure as a foundation for open, safe, and accountable digital futures,” he said.
Centrally, ODET further pointed out that the high-level sessions will also address privacy and human rights in data governance, the role of AI in arts and innovation, and the use of digital tools to advance sustainable development and climate action.
“By combining reflection on progress with forward-looking initiatives, Digital Cooperation Day 2025 offers a platform for stakeholders to examine how digital technologies can be harnessed responsibly to drive inclusion, equity, and shared prosperity worldwide,” stated ODET.
African nations are increasingly leading in the continent’s digital policy and innovation.
Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda are among the front-runners, investing in digital IDs, fintech, and AI research.
Nigeria’s Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director-general of the National Identity Management Commission, a confirmed speaker today, is expected to highlight Africa’s growing influence in shaping global norms.
Dr. Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s ambassador to Belgium and digital policy expert, another key speaker today, has in the past stressed that the stakes are high for Africa.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, over 300 million Africans have come online in the past five years, yet the continent still lags behind in affordable access and digital infrastructure.
Initiatives under the Global Digital Compact, such as universal internet connectivity and AI capacity-building, could narrow these gaps.
“This is a chance to put Africa’s priorities, affordability, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth at the heart of global digital governance,” said Ndemo.
The UN emphasises that the Compact is about translating principles into action. With Africa’s young population and thriving tech hubs, the continent is poised not just to benefit, but to lead in shaping an open, safe, and innovative digital future.
The proceedings will be livestreamed from New York, offering Africans a front-row seat to a global dialogue that could define the next decade of digital cooperation.
Share
