2025 UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Call for Inclusive Digital Economy Solutions

This worldwide initiative, executed in collaboration with members of the Global Digital Compact Objective 2 Working Group, tackles the urgent necessity of promoting equitable and inclusive access to digital technologies and their related opportunities. It aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Submissions are invited across five thematic tracks:

1. Inclusive Digital Innovation Skills & Entrepreneurial Talent Development

Solutions and community-level initiatives are building foundational skills among women, youth, and marginalized groups in digital learning.

2. MSME Empowerment & Local Digital Innovation

Solutions enabling MSMEs to access digital markets, finance, and tools—e.g., e-commerce, smart manufacturing, and startup ecosystems.

3. Enabling Policies & Regulatory Innovation

Solutions that support predictable, transparent, and inclusive digital policy and regulatory environments to foster innovation and fair competition.

4. Innovation Acceleration & Knowledge Sharing

Solutions that promote innovation acceleration, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer to support local digital solutions in developing countries and ensure the secure, safe, and resilient functioning of digital systems during digital transformation.

5. Stable and Resilient Digital Supply Chains

Solutions that support stable and resilient digital supply chains by promoting inclusive access to digital products and services.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: August 18, 2025
2. Category: Entrepreneurs
3. Opportunity Locations: Saudi Arabia, United States
4. Sponsor Organisation: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Eligibility Criteria for 2025 UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Call for Inclusive Digital Economy Solutions

The Call is open to innovators, entrepreneurs, private sector organizations across industries, NGOs and international organizations (including, but not limited to, UN organizations), that are building technologies, business models, or advancing initiatives that promote digital inclusion, resilience, and empowerment—particularly for women, youth, MSMEs, and marginalized communities.

Solutions will be assessed by an independent expert jury comprising representatives from across the UN system, industry and academia. Submissions will be evaluated against key criteria, such as

1. Alignment with Global Digital Compact Objective 2 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
2. Scalability and Replicability
3. Inclusivity and Accessibility

Real-World Impact and Reach—Solutions may fall into two categories:

1. Implemented Solutions (e.g., MVPs, pilot-tested projects, scaled platforms and programmes)
2. Emerging Concepts (e.g., early-stage ideas or concepts)

*Both technical and non-technical submissions will be welcome.

Benefits of 2025 UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Call for Inclusive Digital Economy Solutions

Participants whose solutions are selected will receive:

1. Global visibility and recognition through high-level UN platforms, including side events at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA.80) in New York (September 2025), and the UNIDO General Conference in Riyadh (November 2025)
2. Strategic matchmaking opportunities with UN-led initiatives and partners, with the potential for inclusion in the Global Digital Compact (Objective 2) implementation roadmap and through the UNIDO AIM Global Community Platform
3. Access to technical support and funding opportunities via the UN system and partner networks
4. Featuring the most innovative solutions on the UNIDO Solutions Platform

How to Apply

Innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and organizations across all regions are invited to submit their solutions by 18th August 2025.

1. Open Call for Submissions: 16 July
2. Jury Review Period: 18 August–10September
3. Recognition at UNGA 80: 22–26 September (New York)
4. Showcase at UNIDO Global Conference: 24–27 November (Riyadh)

Click on the link to the application website to apply.

View details of UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Call for Inclusive Digital Economy Solutions

Apply for UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Call for Inclusive Digital Economy Solutions

Application Deadline

18 August, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for 2025 UNIDO-UNCTAD Global Call for Inclusive Digital Economy Solutions