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Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development Academy
The Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development (D4S) Academy 2026 is a global forum dedicated to exploring how digital transformation is being harnessed to accelerate progress towards sustainable development.
It builds on UNSSC's pioneering work with UN Environment on the Digital4Sustainability Learning Path
The Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development (D4S) Academy 2026 is a dynamic and engaging global forum dedicated to exploring how digital innovation can accelerate progress towards sustainable development. Bringing together changemakers from across sectors and regions, the Academy will address global challenges through the lens of digital transformation to examine how technology, data, and innovation can drive more inclusive, effective, and sustainable solutions. The Academy combines academic rigour with cutting-edge thinking, providing participants with learning and networking opportunities.
Upon successfully participating in the Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development Academy 2026, participants will:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of how digital transformation is an enabler for sustainable development;
- Be able to critically examine governance and ethical considerations in the realms of data-sharing ecosystems and artificial intelligence; and
- Understand the cultural shifts needed to foster collaboration and build trust to unlock the full potential of digital transformation as a driver of sustainable development.
This Academy is designed using experiential online learning methodologies that combine panel discussions featuring high-level speakers with interactive opportunities for knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and hands-on practice sessions.
Most of the virtual Academy is synchronous with limited mandatory pre-readings. Participants will engage with a wide range of experts inputs during live webinars, reflect in small-groups during breakout activities, prepare for learner-led and peer-to-peer knowledge exchanges, and apply the knowledge and skills they have during co-creation activities.
This Academy places a premium on fun and relationship-building. During networking sessions, participants showcase their work, play games, and engage in other social activities.
D4S Academy participants will explore key topics in-depth through plenary sessions, applied use cases, hands-on practice sessions, and side events on trending topics. Participants will have an opportunity to present their solution to a real-world sustainable development challenge by participating in a hackathon.
Here is a glimpse of the D4S Academy 2025 held under the UN Summer Academy umbrella:
Participants will be selected based on their professional/academic profile and motivation statements. When signing up, make sure you dedicate enough time to fill in all the required information, especially at the question: “Tell us a bit more about why you are applying for this course”.
The cohort will comprise UN professionals; representatives from national and local government bodies; members of civil society, academia; and sustainability entrepreneurs from the private sector. More specifically, successful applicants to the Academy will be professionals with 10-15 years of experience working on digital transformation for sustainable development.
The selection board will make sure geographic regions, gender, and sectors – including UN and non-UN - are well represented in the cohort.
IMPORTANT
- Attendance requirements: Participants must commit to attending all three days of the Academy. Certificates from the United Nations System Staff College will be awarded to participants who meet the attendance rate criteria for the Academy.
- Technical requirements: Participants will need to access the academy through a desktop PC or laptop with an internet connection, as well as a functioning webcam, microphone, and speakers. Internet speed and volume should be sufficient for four to five hours of video-conferencing each day. Due to the interactive and co-creative format of the Academy, it is not possible to participate using a smartphone.
The course fee of USD 1000 for individual participants covers the following:
- Three days of online training, including a technical orientation session on how to navigate the virtual platform.
- Exclusive access to the UNSSC online social learning environment with asynchronous learning activities, background materials, and the opportunity to connect with and learn from peers.
- All course materials, references, and contacts.
Participants are expected to cover all costs related to their participation in the Academy (computer, Internet access, any other IT equipment, etc.).
