“Children are not in this room, but the decisions we make in rooms like this affect their lives for years to come. It becomes our responsibility to actively think about their rights,” said Kanwaljit Singh who expressed himself so eloquently during UNICEF's panel at the Global DPI Summit today, about why and how digital public infrastructure is a child rights issue. And we fully agree. It was equally inspiring to hear from our other panelists from the governments of Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho, about how DPI is transforming the lives of children in their respective countries. Each illustrated practical use cases of DPI, from ensuring children stay in school to enabling family reunification and preventing child marriage. Other topics covered included safeguards such as data minimization and meaningful and informed consent, and why they have to underpin DPI to protect children from lifelong data risks. As the panelists said themselves, if you collect it, you need to protect it. Big thanks and shoutout to our esteemed panelists: Rahel Kassa, Legal and Policy Advisor, Gender and Inclusivity Focal Person, NIDP Ethiopia Mohamed Mashaka, Director of Information Systems and Services Development, Ministry of ICT, Government of Tanzania Kanwaljit Singh, Deputy Director, Gates Foundation Thapeli Tjabane, Director General – ICT, Government of Lesotho #DPIS2025 Fui Meng Liew Carolin Frankenhauser Kaan Cetinturk
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We’re at the Global DPI Summit, where UNICEF Global CIO Kaan Cetinturk spoke at the panel “Every DPI with Safeguards” on the importance of embedding safeguards into digital public infrastructure from the very start. As Kaan highlighted, safeguarding the rights of children in DPI cannot be an afterthought — it must be a core design principle. It was great to listen to Mr. Mohamed Mashaka from the Government of Tanzania who was also on the panel sharing his vision for safeguarding children‘s rights in the Jamii stack, in partnership with UNICEF. A big thank you to UNDP and the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies for hosting this important discussion and bringing global experts together to shape a safer, more inclusive digital future. #GlobalDPISummit #DigitalPublicInfrastructure #ChildRights #GDPIS25 UNICEF Tanzania
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UNICEF Digital Technology reposted this
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Vice Minister of Science and Technology of Viet Nam, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan, to discuss how digital transformation and #innovation can better serve children and young people. Viet Nam’s national strategies on science, technology and education reflect a strong commitment to inclusive growth. Its leadership in ASEAN’s digital agenda opens new opportunities for collaboration, especially on ethical AI and responsible data use. UNICEF brings global expertise to support child-centred digital services, from digital learning and e-health to online child safety. In Viet Nam, our long-standing investments in education, health and protection continue to strengthen the foundations for human capital development. We look forward to working with the Ministry of Science and Technology on digital inclusion, child online protection and digital skills, and to exploring a joint Asia-Pacific Conference on Child Rights and Digital Transformation in 2026. #digitsltransformation UNICEF Viet Nam
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Openings for UN Volunteers Artificial Intelligence Community Manager https://lnkd.in/eKpRNnvP Deadline: 13 Nov 2025 Artificial Intelligence Strategy Specialist https://lnkd.in/eKcSKDpc Deadline: 13 Nov 2025
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UNICEF Digital Technology reposted this
🛡️ Meet the Speakers | Global DPI Summit 2025 As part of the Global DPI Summit 2025 in Cape Town, the session “Every DPI with Safeguards: From Vision to Practice” will explore how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can accelerate sustainable development when it is trusted, secure, and inclusive. The discussion, taking place on 4 November from 2–3 p.m. (GMT+2), will highlight lessons from early adopters, practical experiences from countries and partners, and next steps for advancing a universal framework for DPI safeguards — with the collective goal of 50 countries adopting safeguards by 2028. Speakers and Panelists: - Sikhulekile (Khule) Duma, Portfolio Lead: Programmes and Partnerships, The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa - Mohamed Mashaka, Director of Information Systems and Services Development, Ministry of Information, Communications, and Information Technology, United Republic of Tanzania - Beatriz Vasconcellos, Deputy Secretary for Digital Transformation, Brazilian Presidency (Presidência da República) - Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer & Director of Digital, AI & Innovation Hub, UNDP - Mehdi Snene, Head of Programme, United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) - Kaan Cetinturk, Global CIO, UNICEF - Carolyn Florey, Digital Development Specialist, Asian Development Bank (ADB) - Viviane Fernandes, Researcher, Idec - Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor - Tina Power, Director, Power Law Africa Moderators: - Raja Rajeshwari Chandrasekharan, DPI Safeguards Advisor, UNDP - Tobi Kasali, Senior Analyst, United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) - Matthew McNaughton, Director, Inclusion, Safety & Civil Society Engagement, Co-Develop This session is co-hosted by the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, UNDP, and Co-Develop, as part of the global effort to ensure every DPI is designed with safeguards — from vision to practice. 🔗 Learn more: www.globaldpisummit.org #SafeDPI #DigitalCooperation #GlobalDigitalCompact #GDPIS25
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UNICEF Digital Technology reposted this
AI is transforming the risk landscape for #childprotection. Our new report, developed in collaboration with UNICEF’s Business Engagement & Child Rights team, is timely. Artificial Intelligence Governance in Motion: A Rapid Global Review of AI Regulation and Its Implications for Children’s Rights reviews international and regional frameworks and examines regulatory models in the EU, China, UK, and India. While some jurisdictions are beginning to recognize children as a vulnerable group in AI governance, others make little or no mention of them at all. This is a major concern. AI’s impact might be more severe for children by exploiting gaps in their rights protections, limited autonomy, and developmental capacity. The asymmetry in power, information, and control between children and the technologies – and those who design and deploy them – makes these impacts more persistent and less visible. The review calls for ongoing research to monitor and assess the impact of AI regulation on children across different contexts. It also warns against a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, arguing that the consequences for children may be more difficult to undo than to prevent. As AI becomes embedded in the systems and services that children rely on, proactive regulation – anchored in child rights law – is essential to ensure that these technologies support, rather than undermine, children’s safety, development, and well-being. 📘 Read the full report: Artificial Intelligence Governance in Motion | UNICEF This review also contributes to UNICEF ’s broader guidance on AI and children, which is currently being updated, with new recommendations expected later this year.
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UNICEF Digital Technology reposted this
Just wrapped up a powerful exchange with Viet Nam’s tech leaders. The country's bold investments in #AI and emerging #tech are inspiring, and so is its #digital generation. Children and adolescents are already shaping platforms and will soon lead the workforce. Designing with their rights in mind is the only right thing to do, but it's also smart business. A safe, inclusive digital ecosystem that is sensitive to child rights is key to national competitiveness and future-ready talent. When UNICEF says no child left behind in the digital age, this is what we mean. Grateful for the dialogue and shared vision.
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We are just 5 days away from the DPI Summit #GDPIS2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, where UNICEF will be taking part, see details below. DPI, or digital public infrastructure, refers to foundational systems, such as digital ID, payments, and data exchanges, which enable public and private services to be delivered safely and equitably. DPI's relevance to child rights lies in its potential to improve access to essential services such as health and social protection, promote inclusion and protect the privacy of every child. Join us for these sessions: 4 Nov | 2:00–3:00 PM – Every DPI with Safeguards: From Vision to Practice – UNICEF Global CIO Kaan Cetinturk will be a panelist. 5 Nov | 10:30–11:30 AM – DPI for Education: Enabling Inclusive and Connected Learning Experiences – UNICEF Innovation Specialist Juliette Norrmén-Smith will be a panelist. 5 Nov | 2:00–3:00 PM – Advancing Children’s Rights through Digital Public Infrastructure – UNICEF hosted main stage event. UNICEF Chief, Digital Centre of Excellence Fui Meng Liew will be moderating. See you in #CapeTown! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dadnyWbu
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Happy announcement today..
UNICEF is proud to partner with Co-Develop to advance safe and inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Tanzania and Lesotho. Co-Develop, a global nonprofit fund, is working to help transform 50 countries into inclusive digital societies over the next five years — supporting governments in building fairer, more connected futures for all. As part of this partnership, UNICEF is supporting the implementation of the UN Universal DPI Safeguards Framework to ensure that digital systems are designed with children’s rights, protection and inclusion at their core. Together, we’re taking an important step toward a digital future that empowers every child and community to thrive. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eBHyZghW
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How can AI respect children’s best interests? As digital technologies reshape childhood, we must ask: Are we designing AI with children’s rights at the center? UNICEF Innocenti’s latest consultations reveal critical insights: ✅ Children want clarity and fairness – Terms and conditions should be understandable and culturally relevant. ✅ Safety ≠ the only right – Privacy, participation, and freedom of expression matter just as much. ✅ AI impacts development – Emotional well-being, autonomy, and critical thinking must guide design choices. ✅ Co-creation is key – Platforms should involve children in shaping digital spaces that reflect diverse contexts. What’s next? Smarter, context-sensitive tools for safety without compromising autonomy. Stronger enforcement of existing regulations and child-centered redress systems. Transparent reporting and accountability from tech companies. Best interests should never be a checkbox. They must guide every decision affecting children online. AI must empower - not exploit - young minds. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eHdFJgfZ #AI #ChildRights
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