In
order to engage the gears of innovation proactively, the United Nations Office of
information and Communication Technology (OICT) is establishing “United
Nations Technology Innovation Labs” (UNTIL). Using cutting edge
frontier technology currently available, such as blockchain, artificial
intelligence, internet of things and the use of drones to answer Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) challenges, UNTIL aims at using technological
innovation to resolve day to day issues. In line with the ICT Strategy
(A/69/517) approved by the UN General Assembly at its 69th session, OICT
is establishing new UNTIL labs locations: Europe, Africa and Asia. Labs in other regions are planned for a second implementation phase in response
to specific Member State’s host requests.
The
objective of establishing UNTIL labs worldwide is to provide the necessary
space for practitioners, creative minds, UN personnel, academia, governments,
start-up companies and established tech giants to come together to enable the
development of new and innovative technologies as well as creative ideas on how
to implement the UN mandates through modern software solutions. The labs will
serve as a platform for networking, creativity and exchange. The UNTIL global
programme will also support the sharing of best practices and proven tech solutions
by expanding their reach from one country/lab to other countries and regions.
Each
UNTIL lab solely focuses on developing technological innovations related to 3
to 4 thematic areas. These thematic areas are aligned with the Sustainable
Development Goals and are mutually agreed between UN-OICT and the host country.
All technology solutions developed by UNTIL will be open source and hence
available to all Member States to adopt.
Recognizing
that the United Nations’ ability to innovate and engage in partnerships will be
a significant factor in whether Member States will be successful in their
efforts to implement the SDGs and, in fact, the broader mandates of the United
Nations, UNTIL plans to establish partnerships with leading ICT companies
(Google, Microsoft, IBM, etc.), creative start-ups companies, as well as
academic institutions. UNTIL also welcome individuals from all nations to
participate in UNTIL projects and events.
For
each UNTIL lab to be able to deliver on its mandate, an initial staffing of 20
to 30 engineers + 15% management and admin staff is necessary. The midterm goal
is for UNTIL to reach a global workforce of 100 engineers within the third year
of operations with some of the staff seconded from partner academia and private
companies.
The
physical location of each lab is an essential element for the success of the
initiative. In order to fully engage local expertise, UNTIL labs are embedded
within a planned/existing innovation ecosystem (Technology institute or academia,
Technology incubator, Tech accelerators, etc.).
With
respect to the governance of the UNTIL programme, each lab has a local advisory
group which will provide strategic advice and guidance. The advisory group is
co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator in the country (where present) and a high-level representative from the host
country. The advisory group will also include
representatives from private-sector, academia
and other partners. A UNTIL global programme advisory group is also established
in New York to oversee the implementation of the initiative globally.