The ITU Digital Transformation Course 2026 is a free online short course by the International Telecommunication Union that focuses on responsible digital transformation, AI, and data governance impact assessments. It trains participants to apply practical assessment tools based on the UNDP human rights impact assessment methodology. The course runs online via Zoom over four weeks with five live sessions between 6 October and 27 October 2026. Only 35 participants will be selected, and the application deadline is 19 September 2026.
The International Telecommunication Union hosts this training, which is supported by the European Union Global Gateway and delivered through the ITU Academy platform. It is designed for public sector institutions, national human rights institutions, and regulatory authorities involved in digital policy and governance. The course aims to build practical skills for professionals working on AI and data governance in developing and developed countries alike.
ITU Digital Transformation Course Benefits
- Free for selected participants, supported by the European Union Global Gateway
- ITU certificate available upon completion with a required total score of 70% or higher
- Practical training using the UNDP HRIA toolkit
- Team-based learning and peer exchange
ITU Digital Transformation Course Eligibility Criteria
- Government officials, policymakers, and development practitioners working on digital transformation, AI, and/or data governance
- Applicants with an undergraduate degree, or at least three years of relevant experience if they do not hold a degree
- Applicants with fluent English
- Government officials and policymakers from developing countries, particularly women, are encouraged to apply
How to Apply for ITU Digital Transformation Course
- Review the course expectations carefully before applying
- Complete the application questionnaire on the official course page
- Submit a motivation letter
- Submit an up-to-date CV
- Selected participants are expected to complete the pre-class questionnaire, attend all live sessions, contribute to the group project, and present in the final session
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ITU Digital Transformation Course 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the ITU Digital Transformation Course 2026?
The ITU Digital Transformation Course 2026 is a four-week free online training offered by the International Telecommunication Union. It focuses on responsible digital transformation, AI, and data governance impact assessments. Participants learn practical assessment tools based on the UNDP human rights impact assessment methodology and work in teams to develop a draft impact assessment and mitigation plan for a real-world use case.
Who is eligible to apply?
The course is open to all countries, with developing countries encouraged. Eligible applicants include government officials, policymakers, and development practitioners working on digital transformation, AI, or data governance. Applicants need an undergraduate degree or at least three years of relevant experience if they do not hold a degree, and must be fluent in English.
Is the ITU Digital Transformation Course free?
Yes, the course is free for selected participants. It is supported by the European Union Global Gateway, and the funding/benefit amount is $0. There is no tuition fee for the online Zoom sessions. Selected participants receive access to all live sessions, practical UNDP HRIA toolkit training, team-based learning, and an ITU certificate upon meeting the required score.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the ITU Digital Transformation Course 2026 is 19 September 2026. Interested applicants should complete the application questionnaire and submit a motivation letter and up-to-date CV before this date. The live sessions run from 6 October to 27 October 2026, so applicants should prepare their materials early.
How long does the course last?
The course lasts four weeks and includes five live Zoom sessions between 6 October and 27 October 2026. In addition to live sessions, participants complete a pre-class questionnaire, engage in a team project to develop a draft impact assessment and mitigation plan, and deliver a final group presentation. Active participation in all live sessions is required.
What are the application documents?
Applicants must complete an application questionnaire, submit a motivation letter, and provide an up-to-date CV. Before applying, candidates should review the course expectations carefully. Selected participants are expected to complete the pre-class questionnaire, attend all live sessions, contribute to the group project, and present in the final session.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes, an ITU certificate is available upon completion. To qualify for the certificate, participants must achieve a required total score of 70% or higher. The course includes practical training using the UNDP HRIA toolkit, team-based learning, and peer exchange, which all contribute to the final assessment and certificate eligibility.
Where is the course held?
The ITU Digital Transformation Course 2026 is held online via Zoom. Participants can join from any country, and developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. The course is hosted by the International Telecommunication Union and supported by the European Union Global Gateway, with a maximum of 35 participants.
How many participants are selected?
A maximum of 35 participants will be selected for the 2026 edition of the ITU Digital Transformation Course. Because capacity is limited, applicants should submit a strong motivation letter and CV. The selection prioritizes government officials and policymakers from developing countries, particularly women, but all eligible candidates may apply.
What are the expectations for selected participants?
Selected participants must complete a pre-class questionnaire, attend all five live Zoom sessions, actively contribute to the team project, and present in the final group presentation. The course uses a hands-on approach where participants produce a draft impact assessment and mitigation plan while receiving facilitator feedback and learning from peers.
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