UN Virtual Worlds Day 2023: Pioneering AI-Driven Solutions for Inclusive Digital Future
June 13, 2025
The 2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day was co-organized by multiple UN entities, highlighting the collaborative effort to foster innovative solutions for inclusive digital transformation.
This year's event was themed 'From Innovation to Impact: Delivering on the Pact for the Future', emphasizing the importance of interagency cooperation within the UN system.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) collaborated with 17 other UN entities to promote AI-powered virtual worlds, aiming to enhance social progress and development for all.
The initiative presented 12 key priorities focused on ensuring equitable digital development, which include expanding connectivity and promoting responsible technology use.
Among the priorities are empowering citizens with digital infrastructure, responsible AI use, environmental sustainability, and fostering digital skills among youth.
Digital innovations, such as AI-powered virtual plants and smart grids, have the potential to improve energy efficiency by up to 80%, optimizing energy use in buildings and industries.
The event introduced the Citiverse Use Case Taxonomy Overview, which promotes the benefits of trustworthy AI-powered virtual worlds in sectors like education and public services.
UNECE showcased its digital energy transformation policies aimed at creating efficient and sustainable energy systems, addressing the energy sector's significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.
UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean highlighted the role of virtual worlds in fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development in response to pressing global challenges.
The call-to-action's priorities align with the Pact for the Future, adopted at the 2024 UN Summit, supporting initiatives for digital equity and environmental sustainability.
UNECE promotes a human-centered approach to digitalization that prioritizes ethical considerations, equity, and long-term sustainability.
These priorities also provide actionable insights for the upcoming 2025 Second World Summit for Social Development, focusing on poverty eradication and social inclusion.
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