Microsoft to Provide UN Staff with Free AI & Digital Skills Training Under UN80 Initiative
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Microsoft will provide extensive, free training to all United Nations staff, bolstering teh UN’s aspiring UN80 initiative aimed at modernizing it’s operations and addressing escalating global challenges. the commitment, announced this week in New York, signifies a major step toward equipping the UN with the digital tools and expertise needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
The initiative, launched last March by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, seeks to overhaul the structure, management, and operations of the global organization. According to a United Nations spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, the partnership with Microsoft is a crucial component of this modernization effort.
Strengthening Digital Capacity Across the UN System
The collaboration extends beyond simple training programs. Microsoft’s support encompasses several key areas, including contributions to the UN80 innovation fund and initiatives designed to make essential digital tools more accessible and affordable for all UN personnel. A core focus will be on expanding training and strengthening skills in artificial intelligence and broader digital technologies within the organization.
“These measures are designed to empower the UN to operate with greater efficiency and effectiveness,” Dujarric stated during a press briefing. The UN80 initiative is slated to run through June 2027, with a key objective of attracting additional private sector partners to support UN-led reform efforts.
Microsoft’s Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
The partnership highlights Microsoft President Brad Smith’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals. Smith, acting as a champion for these goals, is offering tangible support to the UN, recognizing the increasing demands placed upon the organization amidst limited resources.
in a recent social media post, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a “new era” for the United Nations. The company stated its intention to achieve this “by combining innovation, affordability, artificial intelligence capacity building and collaboration with partners,” ultimately helping the UN “work with greater agility, accountability and resilience.”
This collaboration represents a meaningful investment in the future of multilateralism, positioning the United nations to more effectively address pressing global issues with the aid of cutting-edge technology and a highly skilled workforce.
Why: the United Nations is undergoing a major modernization effort, the UN80 initiative, to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in addressing global challenges. This initiative was launched due to the increasing complexity of global issues and the need for the UN to adapt.
Who: Key players include UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who launched the UN80 initiative; Microsoft President Brad Smith, who is championing the Sustainable Development Goals and providing support; and UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, who confirmed the partnership. All UN staff will receive training.
What: Microsoft will provide free, comprehensive training to all UN staff in artificial intelligence and broader digital technologies. This includes contributions to the UN80 innovation fund and making digital tools more accessible.
How did it end? The UN80 initiative is scheduled to run through June 2027. A key goal is to attract additional private sector partners to support the UN’s reform efforts. The partnership with microsoft is a crucial first step, and the UN hopes to build on this momentum to create a more agile, accountable, and resilient organization.
