This article has been written by Ms. Krutika Suryakant Kawade, a 4th year student of Modern Law College, Pune.
ABSTRACT:
The United Nations (UN) has recognized the need to embrace emerging technologies to accelerate achievement of its global goals. This research provides an in-depth examination of key UN digital transformation initiatives aimed at leveraging innovations like artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain for enhancing operations and impact. The analysis focuses on four major programs: the UN Innovation Network facilitating collaboration on frontier technologies; the E-Government Survey benchmarking member states’ digital governance capacities; Global Pulse pioneering use of new data sources and analytics for development; and blockchain projects to streamline humanitarian aid flows. A SWOT framework identifies strengths like knowledge sharing networks and weaknesses like lack of comprehensive digital strategy. Findings indicate the UN is making promising progress in piloting digital public goods, but continued challenges around resourcing, governance, and inclusion will need mitigation. Realizing the full benefits of digital transformation will require sustained leadership commitment along with multi-stakeholder partnerships. With strategic investments in digital capabilities and governance, the UN can help steer technological innovations towards improving human welfare globally. This research aims to provide insights on how international organizations can effectively leverage digitalization to accelerate progress on shared goals.
INTRODUCTION:
The United Nations (UN) is a global organization founded in 1945 with the aim to foster international cooperation and maintain peace and security among nations. Today, the UN consists of 193 member states and encompasses multiple agencies and bodies working on issues from human rights to sustainable development. As the world has become increasingly interconnected and digitized, the UN has recognized the need to harness emerging technologies to accelerate its mission and initiatives across pillars like development, humanitarian action, and peacekeeping.
Over the last decade, the UN has undertaken several key digital transformation initiatives to leverage innovations like artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain for enhancing its operations and impact. This research article provides an in-depth examination of major UN technology-focused initiatives. It assesses their objectives, approaches, and innovations applied to identify opportunities and challenges in using digital tools for global public good. Analysis of four key initiatives provides insights into how the UN is adapting to an era of digital diplomacy and networked multilateralism.
BACKGROUND:
The UN’s technology journey has accelerated since the 2000s, but foundations were laid decades ago. Initiatives like the UN Information Technology Service (UNITeS) established in 2001 consolidated IT infrastructure across agencies (United Nations, n.d.). The UN Bibliographic Information System (UNBISnet) helped build early databases for information sharing. Steps like launching the UN webcast service in 2008 expanded public outreach through digital channels.
However, recent years have seen technology rise to the top of the UN’s priorities. Secretary-General António Guterres’ 2017 report UN 2.0 called for a “surge in diplomacy for peace” aided by digital transformation and data-driven insights (United Nations, 2017). This recognized the networked nature of modern challenges and leveraging innovation to tackle them. UN leadership further emphasized technology’s importance through initiatives like the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation launched in 2018.
Several interlinked factors have driven the UN’s technology focus. Firstly, digital networks create complexity but also opportunities for more agile cooperation on global issues (Dutton, 2017). Secondly, tight budgets have necessitated exploiting technology efficiencies. The COVID-19 pandemic made digitalization an imperative for business continuity. Across contexts, the UN aims to strategically apply tools like AI and big data for sustainable development and humanitarian outcomes.
UN DIGITAL INITIATIVES:
UN INNOVATION NETWORK:
A major development was the 2017 launch of the UN Innovation Network (UNIN) to accelerate innovation across agencies. UNIN consists of nodes within different UN entities focusing on piloting emerging technologies. As outlined by former co-lead Simona Petrova, UNIN facilitates collaboration on priorities like artificial intelligence, data innovation for decision-making, and tools like drones and sensors (Petrova, 2021).
For example, the UNICEF Office of Innovation has pioneered open-source platforms like U-Report polling citizens for real-time insights on issues like disease outbreaks. UN Global Pulse develops techniques to generate data for development from sources like satellite imagery or social media. UNHCR’s Innovation Service has created apps connecting refugees with services and cash assistance. UNIN enables exchanging these innovations across agencies to jointly implement solutions.
A key focus is using frontier technologies for humanitarian assistance and sustainable development. Projects include deploying machine learning to analyse satellite imagery to predict crop yields or assess disaster damage. Drones have been tested by UNICEF and WFP to expedite aid delivery in remote areas lacking transport infrastructure. UNIN represents a “networked multilateralism” model of driving progress on cross-cutting issues through information exchange and pilot projects.
E-GOVERNMENT DEVELPOMENT:
A major applied research initiative is the UN E-Government Survey conducted every two years to benchmark member states’ digital capabilities. The 2020 edition focused on “digital government in the decade of action for sustainable development”, aligning e-governance with
UN goals (United Nations, 2020). The survey assesses countries’ e-government performance via multi-dimensional scoring across metrics like online services, data infrastructure, and social inclusion. For example, the top ranked countries were Denmark, Republic of Korea, and Estonia.
This research enables sharing digital governance models and standards globally. The UN supports developing countries in enhancing their e-government to meet citizens’ needs. Initiatives like UN DESA’s Centre for Digital Government assist digital transformation for public services like healthcare, education, social welfare, and legal identity. Summits like the E-Government Development Forum provide platforms for government leaders to exchange digitalization strategies. By facilitating e-government development, the UN aims to harness technology’s potential to ultimately uplift human welfare worldwide.
BIG DATA AND ALTERNATIVE DATA SOURCES:
Another area where the UN has pioneered innovation is using new data sources and analytics for development and humanitarianism. The UN Global Pulse initiative, founded in 2009, has been a leader in this field. It has conducted over 50 data innovation projects exploring the use of sources like social media or satellite imagery combined with artificial intelligence to generate insights for sustainable development (United Nations Global Pulse, n.d.).
For example, Global Pulse mined anonymized call detail records from mobile phones to analyse population movements after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. This gave fine-grained understanding of internal displacement, allowing better targeted humanitarian assistance to those forced to relocate. In Indonesia, social media data was analysed using machine learning during disasters to identify locations where aid was needed most urgently. Global Pulse also develops techniques like data sandboxing to allow collaborative analysis while protecting privacy.
Overall, Global Pulse aims to fuel a “data revolution” leveraging new sources and analytics for evidence-based policy and action. Its innovations have shown the value of big data and AI in strengthening crisis response, food security monitoring, disease surveillance and more. Global Pulse provides data science expertise and partners within the UN system to scale solutions.
BLOCKCHAIN INITIATIVES:
The UN has also explored blockchain’s potential, including for administration of humanitarian aid. For instance, the World Food Programme has piloted blockchain-based systems like Building Blocks since 2017 to distribute cash aid more efficiently to refugees and vulnerable populations. Building Blocks securely records and authenticates transactions on a decentralized ledger visible to all parties, increasing transparency.
By 2020, it had been used to distribute over $100 million in cash assistance to over 1 million displaced persons in Jordan, Pakistan and elsewhere (Pisa & Juden, 2020). Analysis suggests it reduced transaction costs by 98% and payment delivery times from days to seconds. The
project highlights blockchain’s promise for streamlining assistance and preventing leakage or exploitation.
Additional UN blockchain initiatives include supply chain applications in UN peacekeeping operations, improving procurement transparency. WHO has examined using blockchain for health data sharing. UNICEF now accepts cryptocurrency donations and is exploring blockchain for monitoring finances. While cautions around hype exist, responsible experimentation by UN innovators validates blockchain’s potential to address governance and transaction challenges.
UNDP’s ACCELERATOR LABS NETWORK:
Launched in 2019, this groundbreaking initiative by the United Nations Development Programme aims to revolutionize sustainable development practices. It operates in over 60 emerging economies, focusing on building capabilities for real-time data gathering, behavioural insights, and rapid experimentation. The Labs work as innovation centres, identifying grassroots solutions and scaling them for broader impact. They leverage local knowledge and cutting-edge technology to address complex development challenges, making the process more agile and adaptive.
UN WOMEN’S DIGITAL TOOL ADOPTION:
UN Women’s engagement with digital technology reflects a strategic shift towards leveraging modern communication channels. This includes using social media, mobile platforms, and data analytics for various initiatives, such as youth engagement and violence prevention against women. A notable example is their Facebook Messenger chatbot, designed to educate users on women’s rights, reflecting how digital tools can extend the reach and effectiveness of advocacy and education efforts.
UNV ONLINE VOLUNTEERING SERVICE:
This digital platform by the United Nations Volunteers program connects online volunteers with development organizations and public entities. It allows skilled individuals worldwide to contribute virtually to projects, democratizing volunteering by making it accessible to a larger pool of potential volunteers. This initiative aligns digital participation with the Sustainable Development Goals, enabling a global workforce to contribute to vital causes.
UNICEF’s MAGICBOX DIGITAL HEALTH PLATFORM:
MagicBox is an innovative, open-source platform developed by UNICEF to improve digital health access in low-bandwidth environments. It allows for the offline download and access of vital health information in remote areas, catering to the urgent need for healthcare resources where internet connectivity is limited. The platform exemplifies how technology can be adapted to challenging environments to ensure life-saving information reaches those who need it most.
UNHCR DIGITAL IDENTITY SYSTEM:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is piloting digital identity systems linked to biometrics to improve refugee registration, aid delivery, and protection. This system aims to increase efficiency in managing refugee data while balancing ethical considerations, privacy, and social principles. Digital IDs can streamline processes and ensure that aid reaches the right people, demonstrating how technology can enhance humanitarian efforts.
Each of these initiatives showcases the UN’s commitment to integrating technology across various domains, enhancing its capacity to address global challenges effectively. The focus on innovation, inclusivity, and ethical considerations underscores the comprehensive approach the UN is taking in its digital transformation journey.
CASE STUDIES:
Digital Blue Helmets:
The “Digital Blue Helmets” initiative represents a pioneering effort by the United Nations to enhance cybersecurity in peacekeeping missions. Traditional peacekeeping operations have evolved with the integration of digital technologies to address the increasing threats posed by cyberattacks in conflict zones.
The primary goal of the Digital Blue Helmets initiative is to fortify the digital infrastructure supporting UN peacekeeping missions. This involves securing communication channels, safeguarding sensitive information, and ensuring the integrity of data in highly sensitive and dynamic operational environments.
The implementation of the Digital Blue Helmets initiative involves deploying state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures, including advanced encryption techniques, threat detection systems, and secure communication protocols. The initiative also emphasizes training peacekeeping personnel in cybersecurity best practices to create a holistic approach to digital security.
The impact assessment of the Digital Blue Helmets initiative reveals improved resilience against cyber threats within UN peacekeeping missions. The initiative has contributed to the protection of sensitive mission data, enhanced communication security, and an overall strengthening of the digital infrastructure supporting peacekeeping efforts.
Despite its successes, the Digital Blue Helmets initiative faces several challenges. The dynamic nature of cyber threats requires continuous adaptation, and the initiative must contend with rapidly evolving attack vectors. Additionally, resource constraints and the need for ongoing training pose challenges to sustaining the initiative’s effectiveness.
This case study provides valuable insights into the complexities of implementing digital solutions in sensitive environments. It underscores the importance of a proactive and adaptive approach to cybersecurity in UN peacekeeping operations, acknowledging that digital threats are as critical as physical ones in conflict zones.
Remote Sensing for Disaster Management:
The “Remote Sensing for Disaster Management” case study explores the application of satellite imagery and drone technology in disaster-prone areas within the framework of UN initiatives. With the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the UN has sought innovative ways to enhance disaster management and response.
The primary objectives of this case study include evaluating the benefits of remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery and drones, in disaster management. The focus is on improving the accuracy and efficiency of disaster assessment, response coordination, and recovery efforts.
The implementation of remote sensing technologies involves the utilization of satellite imagery for real-time monitoring of disaster-stricken areas and the deployment of drones for aerial reconnaissance. These technologies provide invaluable data for assessing the extent of damage, identifying critical areas for intervention, and optimizing resource allocation during disaster response operations.
The case study highlights the numerous benefits of remote sensing technologies. These include rapid and accurate damage assessment, improved situational awareness, and enhanced coordination among humanitarian organizations involved in disaster response. The use of drones also facilitates the delivery of aid to remote or inaccessible areas.
Despite the benefits, challenges exist in the implementation of remote sensing technologies for disaster management. These include regulatory hurdles for drone deployment, the need for specialized training, and the potential limitations of satellite imagery in adverse weather conditions.
The case study provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of remote sensing technologies in disaster management. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that considers both the advantages and challenges associated with the integration of these technologies into the UN’s disaster response strategies.
ANALYSIS:
In assessing the UN’s digital transformation journey, this analysis identifies key strengths and weaknesses, along with external opportunities and threats:
Strengths
– Innovation networks like UNIN facilitate replicating successful pilots across agencies.
– E-government research and support assists member states in enhancing capabilities.
– Partnerships expand technical skills and funding for experiments.
Weaknesses
– Bureaucracy and siloed approaches inhibit enterprise-wide technology adoption.
– Lack of comprehensive digital strategy alignment across departments.
– Insufficient personnel with technical expertise to deploy solutions.
Opportunities
– Technologies like AI, satellite data, and blockchain unlock new possibilities in development, peacekeeping, etc.
– Collaborations with tech companies, foundations, and governments could provide resources.
– Global connectivity growth enables wider reach and data collection.
Threats
– Governance gaps around ethics, privacy, and security risks with new technologies.
– Potential for biases and exclusion in AI/data-driven systems.
– Cyberattacks and disinformation could undermine crisis response.
This analysis shows the UN’s technology foundations are strengthening but continued challenges around strategy, resourcing, and governance will need to be addressed.
Moreover, the highlighted initiatives reveal how the UN system is transitioning towards a data-driven, innovative, and digitally-enabled modus operandi. Networked cooperation models are being deployed for leveraging emerging technologies to accelerate sustainable development and humanitarian aims.
However, Maximizing the social value of technological innovation requires care in addressing risks. Lack of access or skills gaps could exclude vulnerable populations from potential benefits. The UN must centre principles of equity and inclusion when digitizing operations. Data gathered directly from affected individuals and communities could make analytics more representative. The UN also has a key role in shaping norms and standards to ensure new technologies are applied ethically and safely.
Moving forward, a clear enterprise digital strategy will be beneficial to align efforts and combine strengths from complementary initiatives. Dedicated technology leadership roles and team resourcing could drive execution. But partnerships will also be crucial for knowledge transfer and funding digital public goods. The UN offers an ecosystem for cultivating multi-stakeholder collaborations on digital cooperation for global benefit.
CONCLUSION:
Technology adoption is no longer just beneficial but critical for the United Nations to effectively deliver on its mandates in an increasingly digitized and data-rich world. As this research has explored, the expansion of digital initiatives across the UN system – including the UN Innovation Network, Global Pulse, e-government surveys and blockchain projects – demonstrates promising momentum and a commitment to modernization. However, to truly achieve the “quantum leap” in digital transformation envisioned by Secretary-General António Guterres and fully capitalize on emerging technologies’ potential, sustained long-term investments and unwavering leadership commitment will be imperative. The UN must view digital capabilities not as peripheral add-ons but as fundamental infrastructure for enabling the organization to implement its goals in the 21st century.
Several priority areas require focus going forward. With visionary leadership, sustained investment, sound governance and a bold spirit of innovation, the United Nations can fulfil its potential to usher in a new era of humane, ethical and inclusive technological progress that leaves no one behind. This historic window of opportunity must be seized to steer emerging innovations towards securing universal human rights and uplifting the welfare of all individuals across borders. The future of technology for global good is unfolding – the United Nations must lead the way.
REFERENCES:
This article was originally published on un.org. The link for the same is herein. https://www.un.org/en/content/digital-cooperation-roadmap/assets/pdf/Roadmap_for_Digital_Cooperation_EN.pdf
This article was originally published on un-two-zero.network. The link for the same is herein.
https://un-two-zero.network/digital/
This article was originally published on unctad. The link for the same is herein.
https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/dtlstictinf2020d3_en.pdf
This article was originally published on united nations peacekeeping. The link for the same is herein.
This article was originally published on united nations. The link for the same is herein.
https://www.un.org/techenvoy/sites/www.un.org.techenvoy/files/GDC-submission_Google.pdf