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Type
Workshop
Deadline

International Digital Economy Governance and Leadership Capacity-Building Programme: Seoul Session 2026

Location
Seoul, Republic of Korea
Date
-
Duration
5 Days
Thematic Area
E Governance and Digital Public Services, Multilateral Diplomacy and Negotiation, Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Policy, Cross Cutting: Learning, Capacity Development and Leadership, Leadership
Website
https://event.unitar.org…
Price
$0.00
The training is provided free of charge. However, participants are responsible for all other costs associated with their participation, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, local transportation, meals, visa fees, and any other personal expenses.
Event Focal Point Email
Jiadan.YU@unitar.org
Registration
Application-based event
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-Face
Language(s)
Chinese, English, Other
Pillar
Multilateral Diplomacy
Partnership

Beijing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance

Event Objectives

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

  • Examine how digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence and smart city technologies are being deployed to improve governance and public services.
  • Strengthen policy and leadership competencies related to digital transformation and innovation governance.
  • Analyze global experiences and case studies in digital economy governance, data governance and responsible AI.
  • Explore pathways for leveraging digital technologies to advance sustainable development and improve public sector performance.
  • Identify opportunities for international cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships in support of digital transformation initiatives.
Background

Digital transformation is reshaping economies, public institutions and cities across the globe. As governments increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and data-driven governance systems, there is a growing need for leaders who can navigate emerging technologies while ensuring inclusive, ethical and sustainable development.

Organized by UNITAR in partnership with the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40), the International Digital Economy Governance and Leadership Capacity-Building Programme: Seoul Session 2026 aims to strengthen participants' knowledge, leadership capabilities and international perspectives on digital governance. The programme combines expert-led learning, peer exchange and participation in Smart Life Week 2026, providing participants with direct exposure to cutting-edge digital innovation, smart city solutions and global policy discussions.

Content and Structure

The programme combines policy learning, practical exposure, international dialogue, and peer exchange to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of digital economy governance and leadership in the age of artificial intelligence.

The learning experience is structured around five complementary components:

1. Strategic Policy and Governance Learning

Participants will engage in expert-led sessions exploring global trends, emerging challenges, and policy approaches related to digital economy governance, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data governance, smart cities, and digital transformation. Discussions will examine how governments and institutions can harness digital technologies to promote sustainable and inclusive development.

2. International Exchange and Peer Learning

The programme provides a platform for participants from different countries and sectors to exchange experiences, share good practices, and discuss common challenges. Through facilitated discussions and country presentations, participants will gain comparative insights into diverse approaches to digital governance and innovation.

3. Applied Case Study Learning

Drawing on experiences from cities, governments, international organizations, and industry leaders, participants will analyze practical cases demonstrating how digital technologies are being deployed to improve public services, strengthen governance, support economic development, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

4. Smart Life Week 2026 Participation

As an integral part of the programme, participants will attend selected activities of Smart Life Week 2026 in Seoul. This experiential learning component will provide direct exposure to cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence, smart city solutions, digital public services, urban innovation, and emerging technologies shaping the future of cities and societies.

5. Networking, Collaboration and Action Planning

The programme encourages collaboration among policymakers, practitioners, experts, and institutional representatives. Participants will have opportunities to build professional networks, explore potential partnerships, and reflect on how lessons learned during the programme can be adapted and applied within their own organizations and national contexts.

Methodology

The programme adopts an interactive and practice-oriented approach, combining:

  • Expert lectures and thematic presentations;
  • High-level policy dialogue and knowledge-sharing sessions;
  • Case studies and real-world examples;
  • Peer learning and participant exchanges;
  • Guided visits and experiential learning activities;
  • Networking and collaboration opportunities;
  • Reflection and action-planning exercises.
Targeted Audience

This programme is designed for professionals involved in digital transformation, public sector innovation, technology policy and digital economy development. It is particularly relevant for:

  • Government officials and policymakers responsible for digital governance, e-government, smart city development, innovation, technology or economic development;
  • Representatives of local and municipal governments engaged in urban digital transformation initiatives;
  • Officials from international and regional organizations working on digital development and public sector modernization;
  • Leaders and practitioners from the private sector, innovation hubs and technology enterprises involved in digital transformation and smart city solutions.
Additional Information

Participation Costs: 

The training is provided free of charge. However, participants are responsible for all other costs associated with their participation, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, local transportation, meals, visa fees, and any other personal expenses. 

Data Protection and Privacy
The personal data of participants applying for, registering for or participating in UNITAR's training courses and other events is governed by the Data Protection and Privacy Policy. By applying for, registering for or participating in this event, the participant acknowledges that he or she is, (or they are) aware of the policy and agree to its terms.