Geneva: From 6 to 10 July 2026, Geneva brings together major United Nations discussions on digital cooperation and artificial intelligence (AI), including the World Summit on the Information Society Forum, the AI for Good Global Summit, and the first session of the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance. For developing countries, the central question is no longer only how to expand digital access, but how to turn that access into productive capacity, competitive firms, quality jobs, and new trade opportunities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the scale of the digital economy has transformed significantly. Global e-commerce now surpasses $28 trillion, while digitally deliverable services make up 56% of global services exports, in contrast to a mere 16% in the least developed countries. This disparity highlights why digital transformation is a crucial development issue, not merely a technological one.
The challenge extends beyond connectivity; it involves how countries utilize it. Many developing nations, especially the least developed, continue to face gaps in infrastructure, skills, finance, regulation, and institutional capacity. There is a risk that AI and data-driven markets could exacerbate existing divides unless countries can harness more value from digitalization.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is playing a pivotal role in emphasizing the development dimension of Geneva's digital week. It co-organizes the World Summit on the Information Society Forum, chairs the United Nations Group on the Information Society in 2026, and contributes to the UN Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance. Additionally, UNCTAD co-leads work on inclusive digital economies with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) under the Global Digital Compact, assisting in translating global commitments into practical support for countries.
Through its initiatives in e-commerce, digital trade, data governance, and the digital economy, UNCTAD aids countries in identifying practical policy options tailored to their needs and priorities. The focus on closing the digital divide is not just about infrastructure and connectivity; it is about empowering developing countries to use digital tools and AI to enhance productive capacity, support local firms, create quality jobs, and expand trade opportunities, including those for women.
Partnerships like eTrade for all exemplify effective practical cooperation. Scaling such support will be crucial in determining whether the AI-driven phase of digital transformation becomes more inclusive than previous phases.