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 - DESA
Exploring the impacts of new Internet applications and AI on the global energy system
Global Not Applicable

This project reviews what is known about the impacts of new internet applications and AI technologies on the global energy system. It explores how AI has become a rapidly increasing source of energy demand while also creating opportunities for smart and cleaner energy systems.

Activity Type Research/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
National and Local Surveys of Digital Government Branch
Global Not Applicable

To prepare for the United Nations E-Government Surveys, the Digital Government Branch conducts national and local surveys (MSQ and LGQ) that include questions on the use of artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchains, 5G, and big data analytics in government and city strategies.

Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory Guidance
UN Secretariat - DESA
Enhancing E-Government Development Index Assessment with Generative AI
Global

This project explores a new approach to streamline the Online Service Questionnaire (OSQ) assessment process using Generative AI. It aims to automate the verification of URLs and analyze website content, substantially easing the manual workload while enhancing survey precision.

Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsResearch/Reports/Assessments