The Digital@UNGA Awards Scholarship 2026 offers a unique opportunity for digital innovators to showcase their impact on the global stage. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this awards program celebrates digital initiatives, policies, and leaders that promote inclusive, responsible, and people‑centred technological development. Finalists will be invited to the ceremony in New York at the UN General Assembly.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. ITU brings together governments, private sector companies, civil society, academia, and technical communities to drive digital transformation worldwide. The Digital@UNGA Awards strengthen multistakeholder cooperation and highlight solutions that advance an inclusive digital future.
Digital@UNGA Awards Benefits
- Global recognition at the UN General Assembly.
- Opportunity to showcase digital solutions to international stakeholders.
- Networking with governments, private sector, and civil society leaders.
- Visibility through ITU’s platforms and communications.
Digital@UNGA Awards Eligibility Criteria
- Open to governments, private sector companies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and technical communities.
- Participants must not be ITU employees, jury members, or their immediate family.
- Youth-led innovations category requires participants aged 25–40 with minimum 5 years’ experience.
- Submissions must align with one of the award categories: Digital Inclusion, Digital Government, Digital Frontiers, or Digital Pioneers.
How to Apply for Digital@UNGA Awards?
- Prepare your entry describing your digital project, policy, or initiative.
- Complete the official submission form via the ITU website.
- Ensure all entries are submitted in English.
- Choose the most relevant category from the list provided.
- Submit up to 5 entries before the deadline of 4 August 2026, 23:59 CEST.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Digital@UNGA Awards Scholarship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Digital@UNGA Awards Scholarship?
The Digital@UNGA Awards is a global recognition program organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It celebrates outstanding digital initiatives, policies, and leaders advancing inclusive and responsible technological development. Winners are invited to the UN General Assembly ceremony in New York.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible participants include governments, private sector companies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and technical communities. ITU employees, jury members, and their immediate family are not eligible. The youth category targets innovators aged 25–40 with at least five years of experience.
What are the award categories?
Submissions fall under four categories: Digital Inclusion (expanding equitable access), Digital Government (transforming public services), Digital Frontiers (emerging technologies like AI and space), and Digital Pioneers (youth-led innovations). Each has distinct judging criteria.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit entries is 4 August 2026 at 23:59 Central European Summer Time (CEST). Late applications will not be considered.
What are the benefits of winning?
Winners receive global recognition at the UN General Assembly, opportunities to showcase their solutions to international stakeholders, networking with leaders from government, private sector, and civil society, and visibility through ITU’s communication channels.
How are winners selected?
A jury evaluates entries based on relevance and measurable impact, innovation and originality, scalability and sustainability, inclusiveness and people‑centred design, and effective partnerships. Two finalists per category are invited to the ceremony where winners are announced.
Where will the award ceremony take place?
The ceremony is held in New York, USA, in September 2026 during the UN General Assembly high-level week. Finalists must attend in person to be eligible for the award.
Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes, applicants can submit up to five entries. Each entry must be in English and clearly indicate the category it belongs to. Multiple entries from the same organization are allowed.
Is there an age limit for the youth category?
For the Digital Pioneers category, participants must be between 25 and 40 years old and have a minimum of five years of professional experience in digital innovation. Other categories do not have age restrictions.
How do I apply for the awards?
Visit the official ITU Digital@UNGA submission page, fill out the online form with details about your project or policy, choose the category, and submit before the deadline. Ensure all supporting materials are in English.
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