UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Digital Solutions For An Inclusive Economy
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The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in coordination with the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) and United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO), announce the launch of a Global Call for Solutions for an Inclusive Digital Economy.
This worldwide initiative, executed in collaboration with members of the Global Digital Compact Objective 2 Working Group, tackles the urgent necessity of promoting equitable and inclusive access to digital technologies and their related opportunities.
It aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Eligibility Criteria For UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Digital Solutions For An Inclusive Economy
The Call is open to innovators, entrepreneurs, private sector organisations across industries, NGOs and international organisations (including, but not limited to, UN organisations), that are building technologies, business models, or advancing initiatives that promote digital inclusion, resilience, and empowerment—particularly for women, youth, MSMEs, and marginalised communities.
Submissions are invited across five thematic tracks:
1. Inclusive Digital Innovation Skills & Entrepreneurial Talent Development:
Solutions and community-level initiatives are building foundational skills among women, youth, and marginalised groups in digital learning.
2. MSME Empowerment & Local Digital Innovation:
Solutions enabling MSMEs to access digital markets, finance, and tools—e.g., e-commerce, smart manufacturing, and startup ecosystems.
3. Enabling Policies & Regulatory Innovation:
Solutions that support predictable, transparent, and inclusive digital policy and regulatory environments to foster innovation and fair competition.
4. Innovation Acceleration & Knowledge Sharing:
Solutions that promote innovation acceleration, knowledge sharing and technology transfer to support local digital solutions in developing countries and ensure the secure, safe, and resilient functioning of digital systems during digital transformation.
5. Stable and Resilient Digital Supply Chains:
Solutions that support stable and resilient digital supply chains by promoting inclusive access to digital products and services.
Benefits For UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Digital Solutions For An Inclusive Economy
Participants whose solutions are selected will receive:
- Global visibility and recognition through high-level UN platforms, including side events at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA.80) in New York (September 2025), and the UNIDO General Conference in Riyadh (November 2025)
- Strategic matchmaking opportunities with UN-led initiatives and partners, with the potential for inclusion in the Global Digital Compact (Objective 2) implementation roadmap and through the UNIDO AIM Global Community Platform
- Access to technical support and funding opportunities via the UN system and partner networks
- Featuring the most innovative solutions on the UNIDO Solutions Platform
Application Timeline For UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Digital Solutions For An Inclusive Economy
The Key Dates and Submission Guidelines
Innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and organisations across all regions are invited to submit their solutions by 18th August 2025.
- Open Call for Submissions: 16 July
- Jury Review Period: 18 August – 10 September
- Recognition at UNGA 80: 22 – 26 September (New York)
- Showcase at UNIDO Global Conference: 24 – 27 November (Riyadh)
Application Deadline For UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Digital Solutions For An Inclusive Economy
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application before 18th August 2025. Candidates can visit the official website for more information about the UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Digital Solutions for an Inclusive Economy and how to apply.