UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Call for Inclusive Digital Economy Solutions

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in coordination with the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) and the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO), have announced the launch of a Global Call for Solutions for an Inclusive Digital Economy.

This initiative aims to promote equitable and inclusive access to digital technologies and opportunities, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ensure no one is left behind.

📖 About the Opportunity

• Date Published: July 12, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 18, 2025
• Category: Entrepreneurs
• Opportunity Locations: Saudi Arabia, United States

This global initiative, executed in collaboration with members of the Global Digital Compact Objective 2 Working Group, addresses the urgent need to promote digital inclusion and resilience. Submissions are invited across five thematic tracks.

🛠️ Thematic Tracks

1. Inclusive Digital Innovation Skills & Entrepreneurial Talent Development
   Solutions and initiatives that build foundational skills among women, youth, and marginalized groups in digital learning.

2. MSME Empowerment & Local Digital Innovation
   Solutions enabling MSMEs to access digital markets, finance, and tools such as e-commerce, smart manufacturing, and startup ecosystems.

3. Enabling Policies & Regulatory Innovation
   Solutions that support predictable, transparent, and inclusive digital policy and regulatory environments to foster innovation and fair competition.

4. Innovation Acceleration & Knowledge Sharing
   Solutions that promote innovation acceleration, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer to support local digital solutions in developing countries.

5. Stable and Resilient Digital Supply Chains
   Solutions that support stable and resilient digital supply chains by promoting inclusive access to digital products and services.

🎁 Benefits

Participants whose solutions are selected will receive:

• Global visibility and recognition through high-level UN platforms, including:
  • Side events at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA.80) in New York (September 2025).
  • The UNIDO General Conference in Riyadh (November 2025).
• Strategic matchmaking opportunities with UN-led initiatives and partners, with potential inclusion in the Global Digital Compact (Objective 2) implementation roadmap.
• Access to technical support and funding opportunities via the UN system and partner networks.
• Featuring the most innovative solutions on the UNIDO Solutions Platform.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The Call is open to:

• Innovators, entrepreneurs, and private sector organizations across industries.
• NGOs and international organizations (including UN organizations).

Applicants should be building technologies, business models, or advancing initiatives that promote digital inclusion, resilience, and empowerment, particularly for women, youth, MSMEs, and marginalized communities.

🏆 Selection Criteria

Submissions will be assessed by an independent expert jury comprising representatives from the UN system, industry, and academia. Key evaluation criteria include:

• Alignment with Global Digital Compact Objective 2 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Scalability and Replicability.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility.
• Real-World Impact and Reach:
  • Implemented Solutions (e.g., MVPs, pilot-tested projects, scaled platforms, and programs).
  • Emerging Concepts (e.g., early-stage ideas or concepts).

Both technical and non-technical submissions are welcome.

📅 Application Timeline

• Open Call for Submissions: July 16, 2025
• Jury Review Period: August 18 – September 10, 2025
• Recognition at UNGA 80: September 22 – 26, 2025 (New York)
• Showcase at UNIDO Global Conference: November 24 – 27, 2025 (Riyadh)

📌 Application Deadline

August 18, 2025

🌐 How to Apply

To apply, visit the official UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Call for Inclusive Digital Economy Solutions page.

For more information, explore the UNIDO AIM Global Community Platform.

• Global visibility and recognition through high-level UN platforms, including side events at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA.80) in New York (September 2025), and the UNIDO General Conference in Riyadh (November 2025)
• Strategic matchmaking opportunities with UN-led initiatives and partners, with the potential for inclusion in the Global Digital Compact (Objective 2) implementation roadmap and through the UNIDO AIM Global Community Platform
• Access to technical support and funding opportunities via the UN system and partner networks
• Featuring the most innovative solutions on the UNIDO Solutions Platform