Emerging Technologies Team
The emerging technologies landscape is dynamic, rapidly evolving, and sometimes unpredictable
For example, the release of ChatGPT has led to an unprecedented increase in the availability and usage of Large Language Models (LLM). While this has democratized LLM accessibility, its implications are widespread. Many LLMs operate as black-box solutions, meaning that their training data and model architecture are veiled in ambiguity. Moreover, well-defined usage regulations are needed to heighten the risk of technology mishandling and misuse.
At OICT, we realize that deciphering the effects of the ever-changing technological landscape can be daunting. As such, we support the United Nations in understanding how best to harness the potential of frontier technologies while mitigating their unintended consequences. In partnership with clients across the Secretariat, we explore solutions that can drive U.N. mandates and ultimately, contribute to equitable and inclusive development, for the benefit of all.
Areas of Activity
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is advancing rapidly. OICT is actively developing AI governance and education initiatives to guide and promote its responsible and effective usage within the UN Secretariat.
Advisory: We help the UN better understand the impact of frontier technologies through context-specific consultations and events.
R&D: We develop Sustainable Development Goals-driven technological solutions for users across the UN Secretariat.
Contact us
We actively partner with organizations that share our commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information, email the OICT Emerging Technology Team at: ett@un.org.
Emerging Tech Partnerships
We welcome partnerships that can contribute to SDG-driven, emerging tech-related discourses and solutions.
Responsible Tech Playbook with ThoughtWorks: OICT, in collaboration with ThoughtWorks, co- authored the Responsible Technology Playbook – Tools for the United Nations.
Youth and AI with Waseda University: A collaboration with Waseda University that asked global youths to share their thoughts on the future of AI.
Relational AI with UNITAC: Used knowledge graphs to help analyze risks and improve the resilience of urban systems by providing cities with information on potential shocks, vulnerabilities, and stresses.
Fast-tracking OCHA Project Proposals with Slalom: Together with Slalom, we used AI to create a project proposal assessment tool for The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Featured Projects
Unite TADA is a collection of tools that allow UN data scientists, data analysts and power users to easily kickstart their projects. Available to all UN personnel, Unite TADA enables end-users in the Organization to explore the services offered (language detection, sentiment analysis, named entity recognition, etc.) and access documentation on how to use each service.
Unite Academy is a series of twice-a-year training sessions on data and analytics open to all UN personnel. Offered by OICT, the aim of Unite Academy is to enhance data literacy and increase awareness of data and analytics within the Organization.