UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET)

UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies.

AHM Bazlur Rahman

The Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology has transitioned to the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) 

As 2025 begins, digital and emerging technologies continue to reshape the world, offering transformative opportunities to address global challenges and unlock new possibilities for all. The Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology has transitioned to the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET). With a strengthened mandate, ODET represents a critical step in implementing the commitments outlined in the Global Digital Compact, adopted in 2024.

ODET will act across five strategic areas to: 

• Advise senior UN leadership on technology trends and strategy

• Serve as an advocate and focal point for digital cooperation

• Facilitate multistakeholder policy dialogue

• Strengthen UN system coordination on digital and emerging technologies

• Support the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact

This transition represents a significant moment for the United Nations, reflecting the growing importance of a coordinated, inclusive, and multistakeholder approach to the governance of technologies anchored in the UN Charter, human rights, and the sustainable development agenda. 

The new Office has critical work ahead, including securing multistakeholder endorsement of the GDC, mapping implementation plans for the GDC, supporting the establishment of an international independent scientific panel, initiating AI policy dialogues within the UN, exploring innovative financing options for AI capacity-building—guided by recommendations from the Secretary-General's High-level Advisory Body—and more. 

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has been a significant player in the Global Digital Compact process since 2022 under the Bangladesh Initiative for Connecting, Empowering & Amplifying Unified Voices on Global Digital Compact.

We sincerely thank the dedicated staff members of the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET). BNNRC is excited to foster a collaborative relationship with the ODET from Bangladesh for an open, safe, and secure digital future for all.

(AHM. Bazlur Rahman is the Chief Executive Officer, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)