11 December 2025, Geneva, Switzerland — The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in collaboration with the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40), is pleased to announce the launch of the International Exchanges on Digital Economy Governance and Leadership Talent Capacity Building Programme. This initiative forms part of an expanding partnership aimed at enhancing global cooperation, strengthening digital governance capabilities, and supporting the implementation of the United Nations Global Digital Compact and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The programme will bring together senior government officials, city mayors, policymakers, and industry leaders for an intensive capacity-building experience. The onsite training will take place on 26 January 2026 in Beijing, complemented by a ten-week online learning phase designed to provide participants with essential knowledge on digital transformation, governance innovation, and emerging technologies.

The programme seeks to cultivate versatile digital leaders equipped with strategic thinking, policy design skills, industry engagement experience, and international cooperation competencies.

Through this initiative, UNITAR aims to support officials and corporate executives in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including digital infrastructure gaps, governance frameworks, innovation ecosystems, and talent shortages.

The training adopts a blended learning model combining:

• Ten weeks of online learning, featuring expert-led webinars and knowledge-building sessions
• Ten days of onsite study in Beijing, including case studies, policy dialogues, and field visits to leading enterprises

The onsite component will be implemented in collaboration with the UNITAR SDGs Singapore Center, a joint institutional initiative dedicated to supporting SDG-related capacity development.

Participants will engage with a broad set of thematic areas, including:

• Digital governance and policy innovation
• Smart cities and urban digital transformation
• Artificial intelligence for development
• Industrial internet and smart manufacturing
• Digital infrastructure, connectivity, and cybersecurity
• E-commerce, FinTech, and cross-border trade
• Public–private partnerships for digital development
• South–South cooperation and knowledge sharing

Nominations are welcome from:

Government officials:
Mayors, deputy mayors, directors-general, and senior experts working in the digital economy, ICT, industry, trade, science and technology, or related fields.

Corporate leaders:
CEOs, CTOs, COOs, and heads of digital transformation departments from enterprises operating in digital infrastructure, intelligent manufacturing, e-commerce, and innovation-driven sectors.

City alliances, industry associations, and think tanks:
Senior representatives engaged in digital policy, innovation ecosystems, or international cooperation.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate relevant experience and outline their motivations and expected outcomes in the application form.

The programme’s donor will fully cover:

• economy-class round-trip airfare to Beijing
• hotel accommodation
• meals and local transportation during the onsite training

The onsite programme will include simultaneous and consecutive interpretation between Chinese and English.
Online modules will be conducted primarily in English.

Applicants must submit:

• a completed Application Form
• a Letter of Recommendation from their institution (if applicable)

Application deadline: 7 January 2026
For application submissions and any further information, please contact: Jiadan.yu@unitar.org