From 7 to 10 July 2026, UNITAR will participate in the AI for Good Global Summit and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), both held in Geneva, Switzerland, engaging with United Nations leaders, technology experts and partners on the role of artificial intelligence in advancing sustainable development.
Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with United Nations agencies and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland, the AI for Good Global Summit brings together leaders from government, the United Nations system, academia, civil society and the private sector to explore how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly and effectively for people, planet and prosperity.
Taking place alongside the Summit, the WSIS Forum 2026 provides a global platform for dialogue on digital cooperation, inclusive information societies and the role of technology in supporting sustainable development.
Our Executive Director’s Participation
Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, is expected to represent UNITAR in several high-level activities during the AI for Good Global Summit and the WSIS Forum 2026.
AI for Good UN Leaders Roundtable Lunch
Wednesday, 8 July | 12:30–14:00 | Palexpo
Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough will join United Nations leaders and AI experts for a high-level exchange on actionable steps the UN system can take to integrate artificial intelligence technologies effectively, while addressing ethical considerations and promoting inclusivity.
WSIS Forum 2026 High-Level Lunch
Thursday, 9 July | 12:15–13:45 | Palexpo
An event bringing together senior leaders and partners engaged in advancing inclusive digital transformation and sustainable development.
WSIS UN High-Level Leaders' Dialogue
Thursday, 9 July | 14:00–15:00 | Palexpo
A high-level discussion bringing together senior leaders from across the United Nations system for a strategic and forward‑looking exchange on the future of global digital cooperation.
UNITAR Key Activities
UNITAR Booth
07-10 July | Palexpo
Visit our booth to connect with our team, learn about our courses in AI, diplomacy and ICT capacity development, and discover partnership opportunities.
Youth Digital Well-being and Mental Health Implications
Wednesday, 06 July | Palexpo
A dynamic and safe space for participants to engage with real-world examples, evidence-based arguments, and lived experiences to examine both the opportunities and risks associated with digital engagement.
AI in Action: A youth debate on real-world challenges
Wednesday, 08 July | Palexpo
Structured youth debate session, encouraging participants to critically explore questions around the access, design, and use of artificial intelligence by debating using real-world scenarios.
UNGIS Meeting
Friday, 10 July | Palexpo
The United Nations Group on the Information Society (UNGIS) Working-Level Meeting, to strengthen the role of UNGIS in supporting and coordinating digital cooperation within the UN System.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Universal Postal Union (UPU)
During the AI for Good Global Summit and WSIS Forum 2026, UNITAR and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to support the professional development of postal sector personnel and national postal operators across UN Member States.
The collaboration will explore joint capacity-building initiatives in areas such as inclusive digital service delivery, financial inclusion, gender mainstreaming, postal sector resilience, and governance frameworks for the postal and digital sectors. By combining UNITAR’s expertise in training and capacity development with UPU’s global postal network and sectoral knowledge, the partnership aims to help bridge the digital divide and strengthen inclusive access to essential services.
UPU is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating postal policies among its member nations and overseeing the global postal network. UPU's mandate is to stimulate lasting, universal postal service improvement and to foster postal, economic and social development.