UNDESA

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs

20
Activities on AI
3
Countries

About UNDESA

We bring the global community together to work towards common solutions to the world's most pressing problems. We help countries translate their global commitments into national action in the economic, social and environmental spheres. UN DESA is a pioneer of sustainable development and the home of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where each goal finds its space and where all stakeholders can do their part to leave no one behind. We are a leading analytical voice for promoting inclusion, reducing inequalities and eradicating poverty, and a champion for tearing down the barriers that keep people in poverty.

Activities by UNDESA

UN Secretariat - DESAFAO
Publication of International Statistical Classifications in Linked Open Data format
Global

This pilot project aims to define a shared model for the joint publication, semantic enrichment, and governance of international statistical classifications using Linked Open Data (LOD) technologies. It enables AI-driven discovery and reasoning over hierarchies and code relationships.

Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsTechnical assistance
UN Secretariat - DESAUN Trade & DevelopmentIMF
Estimating Port Calls using AIS vessel tracking data
Global

This project aims to identify ships entering and leaving a port (by vessel type) using AIS vessel tracking data. It uses supervised machine learning with random forests to estimate vessel types and carrying capacities.

Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsResearch/Reports/Assessments
UN Secretariat - DESA
Guidebook on AI ethics for government and development practitioners
Global

This guidebook aims to fill a gap in existing literature by providing practical guidance on AI ethics for governments and development practitioners based on a balanced scientific and technological understanding.

Activity Type Policy/Regulatory GuidanceTechnical assistance
UN Secretariat - DESA
Guidebook to resources on AI strategies (supplement to the IATT Guidebook on STI roadmaps for the SDGs)
Global

This guidebook aims to provide government officials and development practitioners with a trusted, curated, and annotated list of written resources on the various aspects of AI to support STI roadmaps for the SDGs.

Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsTechnical assistance