AI, Innovation and Partnership Discussions at the 2026 UN HLPF

Blockchain Alliance International followed the work of the 2026 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Convened under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all,” the Forum reviewed progress on Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17 and examined measures needed to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Particular attention was given to innovation, infrastructure, digital transformation, capacity-building and stronger partnerships among governments, the UN system and other stakeholders. The discussions also recognized the rapidly growing impact of artificial intelligence, including its potential to enable technological leapfrogging and economic diversification, while warning that unequal access to technology, finance, skills and infrastructure could further widen existing development gaps.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently in a number of events held on the margins of the HLPF. On 8 July, “AI for Social Inclusion: Opportunities, Risks, and Policy Priorities” explored the potential of AI to increase productivity, expand access to health and other services and create new opportunities for participation, while also addressing risks of inequality, bias and misinformation. The following day, the Permanent Missions of Singapore, Rwanda and Jamaica, together with the UN Statistics Division, convened “Digitization, Statistics and AI: A Path Towards Well-Informed Decision-Making.” The discussion highlighted the importance of robust data ecosystems, credible statistics and responsible AI for public policymaking, as well as investment in infrastructure, skills, governance and institutional capacity. These issues closely correspond to BAI’s growing interest in practical AI applications for governments and public institutions, particularly in developing countries and small states.

Other HLPF events demonstrated the importance of connecting AI with broader development challenges and bringing different stakeholders into the same discussion. The 10 July event “Humanity at the Center: Global Citizenship, Ethical AI, and the Water–Energy–Food Nexus for Transformative SDG Action,” led by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea with UN and civil-society partners, brought together governments, UN entities, academia, the private sector and young innovators. Participants examined human-centred AI and presented practical applications involving water efficiency, clean energy, sustainable agriculture and urban resilience, illustrating the value of connecting technological innovation with integrated approaches to natural resources and sustainable development. On 13 July, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Cambodia and the United Nations University Institute in Macau convened “Empowering Youth for AI-Driven Innovation: Building Competencies and Partnerships for SDG 9 in Developing Countries.” The event focused on AI literacy, education, digital ecosystems and opportunities for young people in the Global South and included the announcement of the UNU Hub on Responsible and Inclusive AI for Global South Youth Empowerment, bringing together UNU Macau, China Agricultural University and Tencent SSV around research, education, training and multistakeholder cooperation.

The series concluded with another perspective particularly relevant to BAI’s work. On 15 July, the Permanent Missions of Pakistan and Tajikistan, together with Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, convened the high-level discussion “AI and the Future of Sustainable Development: Innovation, Inclusion and Resilience.” Participants examined how AI can support resilient infrastructure, innovation, public services and sustainable growth while ensuring that developing countries are not left behind. The discussion emphasized capacity-building, equitable access to digital infrastructure and technology, development of AI skills and stronger international cooperation – concerns that also featured throughout the HLPF, where multistakeholder partnerships, technology transfer and practical scalable solutions were identified as important means of accelerating SDG implementation.

AI is increasingly being discussed at the UN not as a stand-alone technology issue, but as an instrument for SDG implementation – linked to inclusion, data and public policy, infrastructure, youth capacity, resource management and multistakeholder partnerships.