UN OICT

04/22/2026

The results of the Hackathon at George Washington University are in!

Huge congratulations to Team Sky High for winning with Food-bridge, a platform designed to improve access to nutritious, culturally relevant food by better connecting fragmented food systems. Built in just a weekend, the solution combines data-driven insights with real-world programs like SNAP/WIC and local food networks.

Thank you to George Hacks, The George Washington University, The George Washington University - School of Engineering & Applied Science, Global Food Institute at the George Washington University, Amazon Web Services (AWS), FAO and Digital Public Goods Alliance for bringing such meaningful, real-world problem statements and expertise.

Stay tuned for the next hackathon on 9 May in San Diego!

04/22/2026

The latest UN Innovation Network Update is out, and we’re proud to see the work of the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology featured across key initiatives driving innovation across the UN system.

This edition highlights three trends: expanding use of AI, a stronger push to scale solutions, and growing investment in innovation capabilities and partnerships.

OICT contributions included:
➡️ Enabling AI productivity tools now used by 15,000+ UN personnel worldwide, supported by global training
➡️Supporting the Youth Knowledge Hub with the UN Youth Office and Columbia University
➡️Co-leading the Reboot UN-Tapped campaign, delivering practical digital solutions for UN missions
➡️Advancing partnerships with academia, civil society and industry to accelerate innovation

Together, these efforts are helping turn innovation into real, scalable impact. https://un-innovation-update-april-2026.figma.site/

04/21/2026

Faira Alibhai Cassamo, UN OICT's very own Videographer, shares how storytelling can inspire millions and drive inclusion in today's profile.

"Follow your dreams and pursue what truly inspires you," Faira writes.

Read about her journey at: https://unite.un.org/en/WomenInTech-UN/faira-alibhai-cassamo

04/20/2026

Open call for Mentors, Judges, and Volunteers for the UN Tech Over Hackathon (June 22, UN Headquarters, New York) during the UN Open Source Week.

This event brings together 150+ technologists to build open source solutions for global challenges.

We’re seeking:
➡️ Mentors: Provide guidance, technical advice, and encouragement to participating teams in person & online
➡️ Judges: Evaluate final submissions and help select winning projects
➡️ On-site Volunteers: Offer expertise and engagement in person & online during the hackathon sessions

Technology expertise is required to be a mentor or a judge.

Apply or nominate by May 11, 2025: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfcEH_cey7xnydZqnO6zrB5bMEay5qo9Kkxu37D1AQK79FQw/viewform

04/20/2026

2026 kicked off at The George Washington University, in partnership with George Hacks, bringing together innovators to work across multiple challenge tracks, including one led by FAO:

AI for Equitable and Personalized Nutrition.

Participants jumped straight into action with a team formation session led by DEI Labs, using LEGO-based innovation to connect individuals and build diverse, collaborative teams.

The day also featured a session on Digital Public Goods led by Amreen Taneja, helping set the stage for open, scalable solutions.

Stay tuned for the winning solution for AI for Equitable and Personalized Nutrition!

04/16/2026

Young people aren’t just living in the future of AI, they want a voice in shaping it.🤖

Browse this global report by Waseda University and UN OICT, surveying youth across 36 countries, shows strong optimism about AI, alongside real concerns about jobs & misuse.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing at an exceedingly rapid pace, and it is important that we adopt AI intentionally. Young people today will likely live in a future world in which AI will

04/14/2026

We're excited to spotlight Valentina Rivas, Programme Management Officer at , who combines her passion for and consumer protection daily.

Don't miss out on learning from this and read her story now: https://unite.un.org/en/WomenInTech-UN/valentina-rivas

04/09/2026

Jiayue Zeng, Associate Statistician at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, is using data to drive real-world impact!

In this voices video, Jiayue shares how that shift led her to lead the UN Big Data Hack, bringing together innovators from 100+ countries to solve global challenges.

Watch to see how data can create meaningful change 👇

04/07/2026

Today's spotlight is on Liza Albag, Intern in the Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section at the Office of the High Commisioner for Human Rights. Liza talks about using data visualization in storytelling to communicate complex info!

More at https://unite.un.org/en/WomenInTech-UN/liza-albag

04/06/2026

The adoption of a landmark General Assembly resolution marks a pivotal step toward smarter, data-driven mandate management across the United Nations system.

UN OICTCT stands ready to advance digital tools, transparency and efficiency under .

The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday adopted a landmark resolution to strengthen how UN mandates - the decisions taken by Member States that guide the Organisation’s work - are created, implemented and reviewed across the system.

04/02/2026

Sofia Silva, Data Management and Results Monitoring Reporting Officer at United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Cabo Verde discusses her work on the ConVida digital solution during COVID19, and the iParticipate Platform, empowering young people, in today's profile!

More: https://unite.un.org/en/WomenInTech-UN/sofia-silva

03/26/2026

Agata Ruta now drives tech transformation at the as COO of the Office of Investment Management. She’s leading platform consolidation and stronger cybersecurity to support global pension investments. https://unite.un.org/en/WomenInTech-UN/agata-ruta