As the Joint Secretariat of UN SDG:Learn, UNITAR and UNSSC brought together UN agencies, governments, civil society, and academic partners through a dedicated AI Working Group to explore the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable development learning. In 2024, the group held three meetings that highlighted innovations such as generative AI for instructional design, AI-powered patent summarization, and emerging AI-based edtech solutions. A collaborative online space was established to enable ongoing knowledge exchange.
AI was also a central theme during the UN SDG:Learn Retreat in November 2024, where partners engaged in strategic discussions on the future of AI in learning, including its potential to transform instructional design and learner engagement.
In addition, the UN SDG:Learn podcast featured a thematic episode titled “Banking on Biodiversity: The Seed Saver’s Crusade”, which explored how artificial intelligence and digital tools can support biodiversity, local knowledge systems, and sustainable agriculture. In the episode, Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, emphasized the role of AI and data mining in advancing modern breeding technologies and reviving neglected crops. This episode illustrates the intersection of AI, local innovation, and the SDGs—broadening the scope of sustainable development learning by linking digital innovation with global food systems and biodiversity preservation.
This 2-week online course equips UN analysts and data practitioners with practical skills to systematically assess and improve data quality using Python. More info at: https://www.unssc.org/courses/data-quality-impact-python
Activity Type Trainings/Workshops
This 2-weeks online course empowers UN professionals to elevate their data communication skills by integrating Generative AI into data visualization and storytelling workflows.
More info at: https://www.unssc.org/courses/elevate-your-data-visualization-and-data-storytelling-generative-ai
The Blue Line is an online learning hub created by the UN System Staff College to equip all UN personnel with personalized and self-directed learning opportunities. Beyond an e-learning platform, the Blue Line is a value-driven learning community where UN colleagues from across the globe share collective experiences and knowledge to advance the UN’s goals and make a lasting impact. The Blue Line is now in use by 60,000+ UN personnel across 150+ duty stations, with corporate subscriptions from 15 UN entities committed to continuous learning.
Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsTrainings/Workshops