Accelerating Digital Public Infrastructure with Safeguards 2026: Free ITU and UNDP Global Online Course for Government Officials, Policymakers, ICT Specialists, and Digital Transformation Leaders

As countries around the world accelerate their digital transformation agendas, the need for secure, inclusive, and resilient digital systems has never been greater. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is increasingly recognized as a foundational approach for modern governance, service delivery, financial inclusion, and digital innovation.

To support governments and digital practitioners in building trusted digital ecosystems, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are offering the Accelerating Digital Public Infrastructure with Safeguards course. This fully funded online training opportunity is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, frameworks, and practical skills required to implement Digital Public Infrastructure while ensuring citizen protection, privacy, inclusion, and sustainability.

Supported through the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative, the course is offered free of charge to selected participants and provides an excellent opportunity for professionals involved in national digital transformation initiatives.

About the Accelerating Digital Public Infrastructure with Safeguards Course

Digital Public Infrastructure is transforming the way governments provide services and interact with citizens. Built on reusable digital components, interoperable standards, and open architectures, DPI helps countries avoid vendor lock-in while creating scalable systems that support innovation and public service delivery.

This intermediate-level course introduces participants to a comprehensive “Safeguards-by-Design” framework, enabling them to build and manage secure, trusted, and citizen-centered digital systems.

Participants will gain practical insights into:

• Digital Public Infrastructure principles and implementation models
• Digital identity systems
• Secure data exchange mechanisms
• Privacy and data protection frameworks
• Governance and regulatory considerations
• Sustainable financing approaches
• Inclusive digital transformation strategies
• Public sector digital innovation

The course focuses on balancing technological innovation with the protection of citizens’ rights and interests.

Course Overview

Course Title

Accelerating Digital Public Infrastructure with Safeguards

Registration Period

18 May 2026 – 28 June 2026

Course Dates

28 July 2026 – 25 August 2026

Location

Online (Global Participation)

Training Topic

Digital Transformation

Course Type

Online Instructor-Led Training

Language

English

Course Level

Intermediate

Duration

12 Hours

Course Fee

Free ($0) for Selected Participants

Organizers

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Funding Support

European Union Global Gateway Initiative

Maximum Number of Participants

40 Participants

Contact Email

ituacademy@itu.int

Why Digital Public Infrastructure Matters

Digital Public Infrastructure is becoming a key driver of economic growth, public service efficiency, and social inclusion.

A robust DPI ecosystem enables governments to:

• Deliver digital services efficiently
• Improve access to social protection programs
• Enhance public sector transparency
• Facilitate secure digital payments
• Strengthen digital identity systems
• Promote innovation across sectors
• Improve citizen-government interactions
• Foster financial inclusion
• Enable data-driven policymaking

However, without appropriate safeguards, digital transformation efforts can create risks related to privacy, exclusion, security breaches, and misuse of personal data.

This course addresses these challenges by teaching participants how to integrate safeguards into every stage of DPI design and implementation.

 

What Participants Will Learn

Upon completing the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the Value Proposition of DPI

Participants will explore how Digital Public Infrastructure can support national development goals and improve public service delivery.

2. Design Secure and Inclusive Digital Systems

The course teaches practical approaches for creating systems that prioritize citizen trust, accessibility, and inclusion.

3. Implement Safeguards-by-Design Principles

Participants will learn how to embed privacy, security, and accountability measures into digital infrastructure projects from the outset.

4. Navigate Governance and Regulatory Frameworks

The training examines legal and institutional requirements necessary for successful DPI implementation.

5. Develop Sustainable Financing Strategies

Participants will understand how to mobilize investments and ensure long-term sustainability of digital infrastructure projects.

6. Manage Digital Identity and Data Exchange Systems

The course covers best practices for building interoperable digital identity systems and secure data-sharing frameworks.

 

Practical Learning Through Country Simulations

One of the most valuable aspects of this training is its intensive capstone project.

Participants will work in teams through realistic country-based simulations where they will:

• Analyze national digital transformation challenges
• Balance innovation with citizen protection
• Design consent-based digital architectures
• Apply data minimization principles
• Develop governance frameworks
• Explore financing mechanisms
• Create implementation strategies

Through these simulations, participants gain hands-on experience that can be directly applied to real-world government digitalization initiatives.

 

Key Topics Covered

The curriculum includes:

• Digital Public Infrastructure fundamentals
• National digital transformation strategies
• Digital identity ecosystems
• Secure and interoperable data exchange
• Data governance
• Privacy and consent mechanisms
• Cybersecurity considerations
• Citizen protection frameworks
• Digital inclusion strategies
• Institutional governance
• Regulatory frameworks
• Sustainable financing models
• Investment mobilization
• Public sector innovation

 

Benefits of Participating

Selected participants will benefit from:

• Free participation supported by EU funding
• Training from leading international organizations
• Exposure to global best practices in digital transformation
• Practical case studies and simulations
• Networking with international professionals
• Enhanced understanding of digital governance
• Improved technical and policy-making skills
• Knowledge applicable to national digital transformation projects
• Professional development in a rapidly growing field
• Certificate-worthy learning experience from respected institutions

 

Who Should Apply?

The course is specifically designed for professionals involved in large-scale digital transformation efforts, including:

• Government officials
• Policymakers
• Legal professionals
• ICT specialists
• Digital transformation leaders
• Civil society representatives
• Public administration professionals
• Social protection experts
• Finance sector officials
• Business regulatory authorities
• National digitalization agencies

The program is especially relevant for professionals working on:

• Digital identity initiatives
• Data interoperability projects
• Digital payments ecosystems
• Government digitalization programs
• Public service modernization efforts

 

Commitment to Inclusion

The ITU Academy promotes diversity and inclusion across all its training programs.

Applications are welcomed from professionals regardless of:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Age
• Religion
• Economic background
• Geographic location

Special encouragement is given to:

• Women professionals
• Participants from developing countries
• Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
• Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
• Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

 

Important Dates

Registration Opens

18 May 2026

Registration Deadline

28 June 2026

Course Period

28 July 2026 – 25 August 2026

 

How to Apply

Interested professionals should submit their registration through the ITU Academy platform before the application deadline.

Given that only 40 participants will be selected, early registration is highly recommended.

This is a unique opportunity to gain advanced knowledge in Digital Public Infrastructure, digital governance, secure data systems, and inclusive digital transformation while learning directly from experts at ITU and UNDP.

Apply here  

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here

• More global short courses opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here