UNDP Tech, Innovation and Sustainable Development

Who really benefits from AI? 🎧 On CAIO Connect, Sanjay Puri speaks with Robert Opp (CDO, UNDP) on building AI that serves everyone—not just a few. From refugees to the Global South, this is AI with purpose. Watch now: https://youtu.be/uqc-R2mwnPM #CAIOConnect #RobertOPP #UNDP

Digital change is moving fast. In 2026, UNDP will engage across key global moments on AI, data, open source, and digital public infrastructure - focused on responsible, inclusive digital transformation. Twelve moments to watch in 2026 ➡️ www.undp.org/digital/blog...

🔎 UNDP is seeking affordable, safe, and easy-to-use tools that allow community members — not just specialists — to detect underwater explosive ordnance (EO) and mark their location. Working on related solutions? Submit your proposals and let us know ➡️ undp.community.innocentive.com/challenge/9e...

✨ It's the holiday season, and with that, the topic of #foodwaste often arises. We're ending the year by exploring the promise of novel #agrifoodtech in tackling food loss and waste! Learn more about the technologies for 🗑️ waste prevention and ⚙️ waste valorization: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

🔴 Recording now available! Last week, we hosted a webinar going through our Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Toolkit and the pilot in Hanoi, as well as an expert panel on empowering communities for cleaner air. 📍 Watch it here: youtu.be/ir-ptfqvUxo

Excited to launch the Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Toolkit - a DIY resource empowering communities to generate hyperlocal air quality data 📩 📅 Join us next Thursday (18 Dec) at 7am (EST) for the launch + expert panel on community-driven air quality monitoring: bit.ly/CASSair

At #CitiesPossibilities last week, one message stood out: human-centric urban planning and thoughtful utilization of both low- and high-tech innovations are key to a sustainable urban future. Grateful for this platform to advance discussions and foster collaborations around resilient cities!

⛅ Does the path to cleaner air begin with informed local communities? Explore how pairing technology with local engagement can help address #airpollution in our latest blog reflecting on our low-cost air quality monitoring pilot in Viet Nam ➡️ go.undp.org/is4

Is adopting a digital baseline #ESG metrics and tech-enabled disclosure tools the way forward to support #MSMEs? Find out with us as we reflect on the results of our Project Savannah pilot at #COP30! 📅 18 Nov 2025 🕙 09:00–10:00 (UTC–3) 🔗 Register on Maloca: forms.gle/7RKVph2G9T2B...

UNDP's first-ever AI Week begins 17 November. Our opening session will gather global experts to explore how human-centered #AI can accelerate the SDGs while protecting rights and inclusion. 📆 17 November 2025 ⏲️ 9.30 - 10.30am EST Click here to register: bit.ly/44aZyWv

Leveraging partnerships and innovation remains crucial for sustainable development. We had a fruitful past few weeks at the Singapore International Cyber Week, and at Temasek Trust's Leaders' Forum with @pik-potsdam.bsky.social's Johan #Rockström. Looking forward to catalyzing more collaboration!

🛡️ Coming Up: Global DPI Summit 2025 | Every DPI with Safeguards: From Vision to Practice 4 Nov | 2–3 p.m. (GMT+2) | Cape Town Speakers: Robert Opp, @undp.org Carolyn Florey, @adb.org @Kaan Cetinturk, @unicef.org @mamcnaughton.bsky.social, Co-Develop 🔗: globaldpisummit.org #SafeDPI #GDPIS25

Climate change can feel abstract - numbers make it real. Ahead of #COP30, let's make sense of the climate crisis with 30 science-backed numbers telling the real story. Find out why #ClimateCounts 🟰 go.undp.org/ClimateCounts

Last week, we had an inspiring exchange with the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute Incubation Programme, exploring how innovation & youth leadership are driving health impact across Asia. It was encouraging to learn of their AI-driven & biosensor-based health solutions in various contexts💙

Access to air quality data is critical for awareness of air pollution levels before steps can be taken to protect human health. #ClimateSky Together with the National Environment Agency, we designed a blog series exploring the real world application & potential of low-cost sensors: go.undp.org/wKL

Applications are now open for the BOOST x CEF: Green Urban Tech call for innovations! UNDP is calling on innovators worldwide to submit their digital, AI, or blockchain-powered solutions that help cities become greener, smarter, and more resilient. Apply by 19 October: bit.ly/4gneC8C

By joining our #DigitAllVoices campaign, you can help shape the future of the digital world. Share your questions about our digital future by September 19, and we will pass them on to technology sector leaders. ➡️ bit.ly/3VeAjOn

Recently, we had the privilege to contribute to UN Global Compact Network Singapore's latest Business Carbon Report, discussing policy design approaches for carbon tax, & how digital tools can support the different phases of carbon tax adoption. Access the report: unglobalcompact.sg/tools-resour...

Effective decarbonization is not only about adopting the right tools or frameworks. Learn more about the role of digital technologies and other considerations for making carbon markets work: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

What does it take to turn climate ambition into action❓ Earlier, we held our Accelerator for Decarbonization Programme, inviting practitioners and partners to explore tools and exchange experiences for mutual learning. Check out the key takeaways: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

Recap blog and recording of our webinar is now available! Highlights include: ⚖️ How equitable urban design serves as the foundation for healthy cities 🌱 How UNDP is supporting locally-led climate adaptation in Bangladesh ☀️ Practical strategies for reducing urban heat 👉 undp.org/policy-centr...

From the beginning, UNDP has pioneered solutions alongside partners to tackle humanity's most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality and climate change. And as the world has evolved, so have we. Check out our history and milestones: feature.undp.org/undp-at-60/ #UNDP60

By placing people at the heart of experimentation, testbeds can help transform uncertainty into opportunity, build trust, and drive sustainable development. 💡 Find out how in our latest Handbook for Building People-Centric Testbeds: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

In shaping smarter cities, an expanded digital and innovation toolkit is essential. #OpenSource tools are important additions that can improve: ✅Transparency ✅Agility ✅Resident engagement More on how open source can drive sustainable urban development 👉 go.undp.org/o2H

Several cities have used #digitaltwins to understand, monitor, simulate and optimize urban systems. Through the Punggol Digital District in Singapore, learn how a 50-hectare business park can be transformed into a living lab for sustainability and innovation: go.undp.org/wx7 📹: dConstruct Robotics

How do we put 'Responsible AI' into action and impact? In our latest blog with GovTech Singapore and AI Singapore, we discuss how AI governance tools, AI skills and capabilities development help to unlock AI's potential in advancing #sustainabledevelopment for all. Read here: go.undp.org/wc6

Creating smarter cities goes far beyond deploying technology. While #smartcities focus on deploying technical solutions to urban challenges, #smartercities seek to enhance the wellbeing of its residents. How can we guide the development of people-centered smarter cities? go.undp.org/wiH

How can we drive financial inclusion through Central Bank Digital Currencies? We recently released a methodology paper unpacking the 5 steps of CBDC implementation, alongside an online learning session with the authors & experts from the Reserve Bank of India. 📄Read the full paper: go.undp.org/wwo

#PrecisionAgriculture 🌱 can help improve productivity, yields, and support smarter decision making. But more can be done to its accessibility to smallholder farmers 👩‍🌾 globally. ➡️ Learn more in our latest article: go.undp.org/w4t #foodsystems #SustainableAgriculture

As we confront growing climate risks and urbanization, reimagining the built environment is increasingly a necessity. Next week, we'll be exploring how cities can use climate-responsive design and digital innovation to build healthier urban environments. Join us on Zoom 👉 bit.ly/hcdgicr

We just wrapped up the first edition of our Accelerator Program on Harnessing Innovation in Decarbonization Policies! A big thank you to all trainers and participants for joining us on this journey to explore how carbon pricing and innovation can drive climate action. Some highlights below ⬇️

As cities expand, emerging tech offer both new opportunities and challenges. However, their success depends on thoughtful implementation. Our latest blog explores how people-centred approaches are shaping smarter, more inclusive, and resilient cities: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

At the “Leadership & Governance in this Era of Digital Technologies” FOSS for Good Executive Program with MFA Singapore & UNDP Digital Capacity Lab! This unique opportunity brought officials from 17 FOSS member states in town, fostering an exchange of practical experiences on #digitaltransformation

📣 Summary and recording now available! Together with the Centre for Liveable Cities, we invited an international panel of experts from industry and academia to explore cross-domain solutions to sustainable urban mobility. 📺 Watch the video and read the lecture report: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

At UNDP, we recognize the potential of #deeptech 🧪 to tackle some of the most complex development challenges. That’s why our new report provides a global scan of deep tech ecosystems, offering actionable insights for governments, ecosystem enablers, and innovators: go.undp.org/Uuy

📢 Join us in Singapore on 11 July to launch the @undp.org and @ihrb.bsky.social toolkit on building responsible smart cities, designed to help governments and businesses center 🎯 equity, accountability and participation in digital urban solutions. Register 👉 forms.cloud.microsoft/e/aqJvwFRDDP

🌱Save the date for our upcoming webinar on Healthy Cities by Design: Green Infrastructure and Climate Resilience! As climate threats intensify, integrating resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions becomes crucial for protecting public health. Learn more with us on 22 July: bit.ly/hcdgicr

Excellent conversations around "When Machine's Decide: Who Do you Trust?" at #SuperAI! Alongside Feedzai, NTU and A*STAR in Singapore, we unpacked what trust means from a cultural, subjective, and use-case perspective, and the value of leveraging existing sectoral accountability mechanisms.

Thoughtful policy design and digital solutions can strengthen #carbontax systems to achieve climate mitigation targets, gain political acceptance, and promote social equity. Examine how countries are blending instruments and leveraging digital tools to enhance implementation: go.undp.org/3J2

⚛️ As quantum technologies transition from lab to real-world applications, they're creating powerful tools for sustainable development. 🧪 Find out how quantum technologies are showing promise in healthcare, climate, energy, and institutional resilience: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

🛰️ Reimagining city development with space technology? From satellite imagery that tracks green cover to advanced radar technology mapping land subsidence, space-based solutions can help cities become more resilient and sustainable ➡️ Read our latest deep tech blog here: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

Access to data can help spur action against air pollution! 📡 Across the globe, communities are turning to open-access air quality data to forecast air pollution events and push for cleaner, healthier cities. 🧪 Learn more about the resources available: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

🤝 Excited to be collaborating with AI Singapore to expand access to AI learning and bridge the digital divide! Together, we'll be bringing the #AI4Good program beyond Singapore to support six pilot countries across Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

⌛️ Happening tomorrow! Join the conversation at SGInnovate as Robert Opp from UNDP, Prof Lee Poh Seng from the Energy Studies Institute, and Rita Abdellatifi from Microsoft rethink data infrastructure in an era of climate urgency and AI expansion. Save your spot: www.sginnovate.com/event/green-...

🚨 The Anti-Scam Handbook v2.0 is here! With richer case evidence and deeper perspectives, version 2.0 covers new areas including: ⌛ Technology Arms Race 🕸️ Interconnected Web of Digital Scams and Cyber Threats 🌍 Impetus for Collaboration Learn more: www.undp.org/policy-centr...

🚶 🚴 🚌 The 8th #UNGRSW just passed us by, dedicated to the theme “Make walking and cycling safe.” Looking for practical insights on how cities can leverage tech and innovation to advance sustainable active mobility? Join our webinar happening today! undp.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

📟 How can we rethink data infrastructure in an era of climate urgency and AI expansion? On 28 May, join our fireside chat at SGInnovate, with Robert Opp and Prof Lee Poh Seng as we discuss practical tech levers and pathways for greener data. 📅 Sign up now: www.sginnovate.com/event/green-...

How can we leverage technology and innovation to advance sustainable and future-ready urban mobility in developing cities? Hear from the government, academia and industry in our webinar on 20 May, as we explore scalable urban solutions! Save the date: bit.ly/acdasum

“Shared global challenges require shared solutions and actions, and working together.” At the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025 on Monday, @undp.org’s Susan Brown reflected on the need for co-designed solutions to build the future that we want, more so in our current moment of deep uncertainty.

A new survey in @undp.org’s #HDR2025 finds that while 1 in 5 people currently use Artificial Intelligence, 2 in 3 in lower-HDI countries expect to adopt it for education, health, or work within the next year. The democratization of AI is already underway. Learn more: report.hdr.undp.org