By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The United Nations Office
for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UNODT) has announced the first six
speakers for Digital Cooperation Day 2026, which will bring together global
leaders and experts in New York on September 21 to discuss the future of artificial
intelligence, digital cooperation, data protection and capacity building.
The second edition of
Digital Cooperation Day will be held during the High-Level Week of the 81st
session of the United Nations General Assembly under the theme, “Shaping A
Global AI Future Through Science, Policy, and Capacity.”
The confirmed speakers
include Lesotho Prime Minister H.E. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane; Digital
Cooperation Organization Secretary-General H.E. Deemah AlYahya; European Data
Protection Supervisor Secretary-General Leonardo Cervera-Navas; AI litigation
attorney Megan Garcia of Normand PLLC; Slovak Republic Minister of Education,
Research, Development and Youth H.E. Tomas Drucker; and El Salvador’s
Ambassador to the United Nations, H.E. Egriselda López.
The speakers bring
perspectives from national leadership, education, child safety, digital
cooperation, data protection and emerging technology policy.
According to UNODT, the
event will examine how science, policy and capacity can work together to shape
a global approach to artificial intelligence. Science provides the evidence
needed to understand emerging technologies, policy establishes direction and
governance, while capacity enables countries and institutions to act on both.
Digital Cooperation Day 2026
is expected to provide a platform for policymakers, technology leaders,
researchers and international organisations to exchange perspectives on the
opportunities and challenges associated with AI and digital transformation.
The event will also explore
how stronger cooperation and institutional capacity can help countries respond
to rapid technological change while promoting responsible and inclusive digital
development.
The gathering in New York
comes as governments and international institutions intensify discussions on AI
governance and the need for coordinated approaches to ensure emerging
technologies deliver broad social and economic benefits.
