UNESCO global conference on capacity building on AI and digital transformation in the public sector
UNESCO is convening the Global Forum on Capacity Building for AI and Digital Transformation in the Public Sector on 4–5 June 2025 at its headquarters in Paris, with all main sessions available online.
The Forum will bring together high-level government representatives, UN leaders, academics, innovators, and capacity-building institutions to chart a practical course for strengthening public sector readiness in the digital age. It will focus on empowering civil servants with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead sustainable, inclusive, and rights-based digital transformation. Participants will explore concrete strategies for enhancing digital competencies within government, building institutional capacity, and fostering global cooperation around digital governance.
The two-day programme features opening and keynote sessions with ministers and international dignitaries, in-depth discussions on bridging capacity gaps and citizen-centric transformation, and deep dives into topics such as low-resource AI and sustainable digital practices. A dedicated track on the WSIS+20 process will explore how lessons from the past two decades of digital development can inform a renewed, forward-looking vision—WSIS 2.0—that aligns with the Global Digital Compact.
With panels on financing digital transformation, data governance, and inclusive AI solutions, the event aims to stimulate exchange across diverse sectors and geographies. The Forum also highlights the importance of collaboration among Schools of Public Administration and other training institutions to build lasting capacity in public service.
Coinciding with World Environment Day, the Forum will underscore the role of technology in advancing environmentally sustainable digital ecosystems. In doing so, it will contribute to shaping global standards and cooperative frameworks that ensure digital transformation is not only effective but also equitable and grounded in public value.
Registration for the event is required by 30 May 2025. For more information or to register, please visit the official website.