The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNDP has officially opened applications for the Digital@UNGA Awards 2026, a prestigious global awards programme that celebrates outstanding digital initiatives, innovative policies, transformative technologies, and visionary leaders who are driving inclusive and responsible digital transformation worldwide.

Open to all stakeholders across the globe, the Digital@UNGA Awards aim to recognize groundbreaking projects, digital solutions, public policies, and youth-led innovations that are creating measurable and sustainable impact. The awards provide an international platform to showcase initiatives that promote digital inclusion, strengthen digital governance, harness emerging technologies responsibly, and empower communities through innovation.

If you are a government institution, organization, startup, NGO, researcher, policymaker, technology company, entrepreneur, or young innovator working to build a more inclusive digital future, this is an exceptional opportunity to gain international recognition from one of the world’s leading organizations for information and communication technologies.

Application Deadline: 4 August 2026

What are the Digital@UNGA Awards?

The Digital@UNGA Awards are an international recognition programme organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These awards celebrate exceptional digital achievements that contribute to building an inclusive, responsible, and people-centred digital society.

The awards are designed to:

• Recognize impactful digital initiatives from around the world.
• Promote responsible technological innovation.
• Encourage inclusive digital transformation.
• Highlight successful partnerships across sectors.
• Strengthen international cooperation.
• Showcase leadership in digital development.
• Inspire governments, organizations, and innovators to create scalable digital solutions.

Rather than focusing solely on technology itself, the awards recognize initiatives that create meaningful social, economic, environmental, and governance impact through digital innovation.

About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Founded in 1865, ITU brings together:

• 194 Member States
• More than 1,000 companies
• International organizations
• Universities
• Civil society organizations
• Research institutions

Its mission is to advance global connectivity, promote digital inclusion, develop international ICT standards, and support countries in leveraging technology for sustainable development.

Through initiatives like the Digital@UNGA Awards, ITU continues to encourage innovation that supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Purpose of the Digital@UNGA Awards

The Digital@UNGA Awards seek to identify and celebrate digital innovations that demonstrate:

• Measurable impact
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Inclusiveness
• Responsible technology use
• Scalability
• Ethical digital governance
• Strong partnerships
• Community empowerment
• Long-term benefits for society

The programme aims to elevate initiatives that contribute to a digital future where technology benefits everyone, especially underserved and vulnerable populations.

Who Can Apply?

The Digital@UNGA Awards are remarkably inclusive and welcome submissions from all stakeholders worldwide.

Applicants may include:

• Governments
• Public institutions
• Private companies
• Startups
• Non-governmental organizations
• Civil society organizations
• Academic institutions
• Research organizations
• International organizations
• Technology innovators
• Entrepreneurs
• Community organizations
• Social enterprises
• Youth-led organizations
• Individual innovators

Types of Submissions Accepted

Applicants may submit a wide variety of digital initiatives, including the following.

1. Projects

Digitally enabled initiatives that have already been implemented and demonstrate:

• Measurable outcomes
• Sustainable implementation
• Scalable impact
• Real-world results
• Community benefits

Projects should clearly show how technology has addressed practical challenges and improved lives.

2. Policies and Regulatory Frameworks

The awards recognize innovative public policies and regulatory approaches that strengthen digital transformation.

Eligible submissions include:

• Digital governance policies
• National digital strategies
• Legislative reforms
• Regulatory frameworks
• Digital trust initiatives
• Responsible technology policies
• Inclusion-focused regulations

Successful submissions should demonstrate improvements in governance, accessibility, transparency, or responsible technology adoption.

3. Innovative Digital Applications and Solutions

Organizations and innovators are encouraged to submit digital products that solve important challenges.

Examples include:

• Digital platforms
• Mobile applications
• Artificial intelligence solutions
• Health technology
• Education technology
• Financial technology
• Environmental monitoring systems
• Agricultural technology
• Government technology
• Civic technology

Solutions should demonstrate measurable social, economic, environmental, or governance impact.

4. Youth-Led Initiatives

Young innovators are encouraged to submit creative digital initiatives that contribute to positive change.

Eligible submissions include:

• Individual innovators
• Youth-led startups
• Youth organizations
• Youth technology initiatives
• Social innovation projects

These initiatives should showcase leadership, creativity, innovation, and measurable impact.

Digital@UNGA Awards Categories

Applicants may submit under one of four official categories.

Digital Inclusion

This category recognizes initiatives that expand equitable access to digital technologies and ensure that everyone has opportunities to participate in the digital world.

Examples include:

• Internet connectivity projects
• Digital literacy programmes
• Accessibility technologies
• Community digital centres
• Digital education initiatives
• Technology for persons with disabilities
• Programmes supporting marginalized communities

The focus is on reducing digital inequalities and promoting meaningful digital participation.

Learn More

Digital Government

This category celebrates governments and public institutions that use digital technologies to improve governance and public service delivery.

Examples include:

• E-government services
• Digital identity systems
• Online public services
• Government innovation
• Digital public administration
• Citizen engagement platforms

Successful initiatives should demonstrate improvements in:

• Efficiency
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Public service quality
• User experience

Learn More

Digital Frontiers

Digital Frontiers recognizes pioneering work involving emerging technologies.

Eligible technologies include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Quantum technologies
• Space technologies
• Frontier digital innovations

Initiatives should demonstrate:

• Responsible innovation
• Ethical technology development
• Strong governance
• Future readiness
• Scalability
• Global relevance

Learn More

Digital Pioneers

This category celebrates exceptional youth-led digital innovation.

Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals aged 25–40
• Youth-led organizations

Submissions should showcase:

• Innovation
• Leadership
• Creativity
• Social impact
• Responsible digital solutions
• Inclusive transformation

Learn More

Benefits of Winning the Digital@UNGA Awards

Winning or being selected as a finalist offers significant international recognition and visibility.

Benefits include:

• International recognition by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• Global exposure during the United Nations General Assembly period.
• Recognition as a leader in digital innovation.
• Increased visibility for projects and organizations.
• Opportunities to showcase successful digital initiatives.
• Networking with global digital leaders, governments, policymakers, and innovators.
• Strengthened credibility with partners, funders, and stakeholders.
• Promotion of innovative digital solutions on an international stage.

Youth Eligibility Requirements

Applicants submitting under the Digital Pioneers category must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 25 and 40 years old.
• Have a minimum of five years of professional experience, or
• Represent a youth-led organization driving meaningful digital innovation.

What Makes a Strong Submission?

Successful applications should clearly demonstrate:

• Innovation
• Measurable impact
• Sustainability
• Scalability
• Responsible technology use
• Community benefits
• Inclusive approaches
• Strong partnerships
• Long-term value

Applicants should present evidence showing how their initiative creates meaningful change and has the potential for broader adoption.

Timeline

Applicants should take note of the following important dates:

• Call for Submissions Opens: 12 June 2026
• Submission Deadline: 4 August 2026
• Jury Review: 4 August – 14 August 2026
• Finalists Announced: By 21 August 2026
• Digital@UNGA Awards Ceremony: 21 September 2026

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official Digital@UNGA Awards submission form before the deadline.

Before applying, applicants should:

1. Determine the most appropriate award category.
2. Prepare detailed information about their initiative.
3. Demonstrate measurable impact.
4. Highlight innovation and sustainability.
5. Explain how the initiative promotes inclusive digital transformation.
6. Submit the completed application before 4 August 2026.

APPLY NOW

Click here to download the Digital@UNGA Awards Concept Note.

Why You Should Apply

Recognition from the International Telecommunication Union represents one of the most respected acknowledgements in the field of digital development.

Whether your work focuses on digital inclusion, public sector innovation, emerging technologies, or youth leadership, the Digital@UNGA Awards provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your achievements before a global audience. Beyond recognition, the awards encourage knowledge sharing, inspire future innovation, and strengthen international collaboration in building a more inclusive digital future.

Conclusion

The Digital@UNGA Awards 2026 offer innovators, governments, organizations, entrepreneurs, and young leaders a unique opportunity to gain international recognition for transformative digital initiatives that improve lives and strengthen societies. By celebrating responsible innovation, inclusive digital transformation, and people-centred technology, the awards highlight the remarkable efforts being made around the world to create a more connected, equitable, and sustainable future.

If your initiative has demonstrated measurable impact and contributes to solving today’s digital challenges, now is the time to submit your application. Ensure your submission is completed before the 4 August 2026 deadline and join a global community of digital changemakers shaping the future.

Visit the OFY Website for more Award Opportunities.