Welcome to the UN Innovation Network

The UN Innovation Network (UNIN) is an informal, collaborative community of UN innovators from across the UN. In addition to promoting innovation overall, UNIN also hosts UN Groups on specific topics. UNIN is open to innovators from all UN Entities as well as external partners.

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June 1, 2026
ITC ILO

AI Avatars in Learning and Training: From Experimentation to Practice

Learning today demands more than access to information. It requires opportunities to engage, practice, and apply knowledge in realistic contexts. Yet one key challenge remains: creating safe environments where learners can experiment, make decisions, and learn from experience—without real-world consequences. To address this gap, the Learning Innovation Programme (LIP) launched a series of pilot projects in 2025 focused on the design and use of AI Avatars.

May 25, 2026

Innovation for Children: High Stakes. Real Impact. 2026

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May 12, 2026

Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM)

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May 12, 2026

Empowering small-scale farmers through digital innovation: Insights from the Near East and North Africa region

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May 12, 2026

UNHCR AI Approach

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Webinar
May 11, 2026
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Blockchain Talks #8 | Money's New Rails | Stablecoins and the Last Mile of Financial Inclusion

UN Blockchain Talks #8 explored whether stablecoins can support financial inclusion at the last mile, using a scenario-based discussion centered on Mariama, a fictional character representing real users outside formal banking systems. Moderated by Ali Al-Zuhairi of UNDP Alternative Finance Lab, the session brought together Dr. Margie Cheesman, Stephanie Joseph, and Freedom Pigott to discuss stablecoins, remittances, cash-out mechanisms, compliance, local infrastructure, data privacy, and the practical conditions needed for digital payments to work safely and reliably in remote contexts.

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May 11, 2026
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UN 2.0 Digital and Data Expo #4 | One Hour. 8 UN Showcases

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April 27, 2026
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Blockchain Talks #7 | Environmental sustainability and blockchain: where does it actually help?

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April 21, 2026
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Webinar

UNU Rector AI Lecture Series II: The Role of Knowledge Institutions in Shaping the Future of AI Governance

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April 10, 2026
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Webinar

UN 2.0 Digital and Data Expo #3 | One Hour. 8 UN Showcases

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June 1, 2026
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AI Avatars in Learning and Training: From Experimentation to Practice

Learning today demands more than access to information. It requires opportunities to engage, practice, and apply knowledge in realistic contexts. Yet one key challenge remains: creating safe environments where learners can experiment, make decisions, and learn from experience—without real-world consequences. To address this gap, the Learning Innovation Programme (LIP) launched a series of pilot projects in 2025 focused on the design and use of AI Avatars.

June 1, 2026
Learn more
May 25, 2026
|

Innovation for Children: High Stakes. Real Impact. 2026

Learn more
May 12, 2026
|
Publication

Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM)

Learn more
May 12, 2026
|
Publication

Empowering small-scale farmers through digital innovation: Insights from the Near East and North Africa region

Learn more
May 12, 2026
|
Publication

UNHCR AI Approach

Learn more
"Without innovation, there is no way we can overcome the challenges of our time." António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

UN Groups

UNIN's UN Groups dive deeper into selected innovation areas to allow for deeper exchange in more specialised fields.

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About the UN Innovation Network

The UN Innovation Network (UNIN) is an informal, collaborative community of UN innovators interested in sharing their expertise and experience with others to promote and advance innovation within the UN System.

The Network hosts regular knowledge sharing sessions, helps Entities share tools, resources and best practices for innovating in the UN and offers advice on how to build structures to promote innovation, activate innovation partnerships and create a culture of innovation in their organisations.

UNIN is open to innovators from all UN Entities and to date, colleagues from over 70 entities in over 180 countries have joined the Network.

The UN Innovation Network is jointly chaired and funded by UNDP, UNICEF and WFP.

UNIN Organisational Members

UNIN Co-Chairs

Join the UN Innovation Network

We encourage everyone interested in innovation - from all across the UN and beyond - to join the UN Innovation Network to collaborate, share experiences and innovate for the Sustainable Development Goals.

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