UNESCO calls for global cooperation to address current global challenges of Artificial Intelligence and Ocean Science at UNGA
With the issue of AI at the top of the international agenda, UNESCO is calling on seizing the momentum for enhanced international cooperation on education, critical thinking and AI literacy, to ensure that the development of AI models serve human intelligence, human dignity and human agency — not weaken or replace them. UNESCO operates at the heart of UN efforts on these issues, as co-chair of the UN Dialogue on AI Governance, notably, and stands ready to play an active role as the UN lead agency on the topic.
As another highlight of the high-level week, UNESCO will lead discussions at the International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System and strengthen international cooperation to address sea-level rise, including through a major exhibition on One Ocean, bringing Member States and partners together to promote effective ocean observation, respond to planetary crises, and support a competitive blue economy.
Besides the events mentioned below, UNESCO is expected to sign two Institutional Cooperation Agreements during the UNGA, with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), marking a new strategic partnership linking climate action, science, and education. The agreements will formalize cooperation between UNESCO and the two UN entities, mobilizing scientific knowledge, education, and intercultural dialogue to address pressing global challenges. The week comes on the heels of the UN General Assembly’s proclamation of the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development (2027–2036), supported by 174 Member States. Entrusting UNESCO with leading its implementation, the Decade marks a significant recognition by the international community of the role of culture in sustainable development and of UNESCO’s mandate and leadership in this field.
“Generation Unlimited” Global Leadership Council
When: 21 September 2026
Where: UNICEF House,
Who: UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany will represent the Organization
By 2035, 1.2 billion young people in emerging markets and developing economies will enter the labour force. Only 400 million are expected to find jobs. Meanwhile, AI and the green transition are mobilizing trillions and reshaping labour markets. Yet the collaboration needed to convert that capital into youth opportunity remains fragmented, short-term and project-centric, rarely building the national systems needed for scale. This meeting is about closing that gap. Heads of State and Government, ministers, global CEOs, development and financing institutions, and young people will come together to identify actionable strategies for turning these investments into skilling, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.
To watch the event, please click here. Learn more.
Digital@UNGA 2026
When: 21 September 2026, 17:00–20:00 (New York time)
Where: Delegates Dining Room at United Nations Headquarters, New York
Who: UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany will represent the Organisation
Now in its fourth year, Digital@UNGA has grown into a leading multistakeholder platform for digital cooperation and innovation during the United Nations General Assembly. The event will bring together governments, international organizations, industry leaders, investors, innovators, civil society, academia, youth, and the technical community to advance dialogue, partnerships, and action for an inclusive digital future. Learn more.
High-level “Rising Nations Gala Dinner”
When: 21 September 2026
Where: Harvard Club, New York
Who: UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany will represent the Organisation
This high-profile event is organized by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, together with Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Tuvalu, with the presence of Heads of State, in the anticipation of the imminent adoption of the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, a concise, action-oriented and intergovernmental declaration. The declaration aims to strengthen international cooperation and collective action to address sea level rise, including by supporting developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, as well as coastal communities, in building resilience and adapting to its consequences. The event will also feature an award ceremony recognizing this year's recipients of the Rising Nations Leaders Award, providing strong political visibility. Learn more.
High-Level Meeting of the Coalition for Children's Rights and Protection in the Age of AI
When: 22 September 2026
Where: ECOSOC Chamber, UN Headquarters
Who: UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany will represent the Organisation
Launched by France, Spain and Kenya and supported by 15 Member States, UNESCO and other UN sister agencies, the Coalition seeks to advance a shared commitment to ensuring that AI development and deployment protect children's rights, safety and well-being. Learn more.
Strengthening Information Integrity and Freedom of Expression in the Mediterranean: An EU–UNESCO Partnership
When: 22 September 2026, 11:00 am – 11:45 pm (New York time)
Where: Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations in New York (666 Third Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA)
Who: Mariya Gabriel, Assistant-Director General for Communication and Information, will represent UNESCO
This joint EU–UNESCO side event at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) would offer a timely way to explore the critical role that information integrity and freedom of expression play in strengthening resilience, trust, and regional cooperation among Mediterranean stakeholders. The event will highlight the importance of open, pluralistic and resilient information ecosystems for advancing shared objectives related to peace, human rights and international cooperation, while addressing the challenges posed by disinformation and hate speech.
Opening of the ONE OCEAN Exhibit
When: 23 September 2026, 11.45 am – 12.15 pm (New York time)
Where: Visitors Plaza at United Nations Headquarters, New York
Who: UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany will represent the Organisation
ONE OCEAN invites visitors on a journey structured around three steps — LEARN, THINK, ACT. It opens by introducing the concept of a single, interconnected global ocean through the Spilhaus projection, a map that centers the ocean rather than the continents to show that the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Southern Oceans are in fact one continuous body of water connecting every coastline, nation, and person on Earth. The exhibition then moves visitors to reflect on why this matters, pairing pressing questions raised by young people from around the world — on ocean governance, representation, the blue economy, and education — with key data illustrating the ocean's role in livelihoods, the global economy, sea-level rise, and biodiversity. Finally, it turns this reflection into action by showcasing concrete Ocean Literacy initiatives already underway, most notably SEA BEYOND, a partnership between Prada Group and UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. Learn more.
Meeting of the International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System
When: 23 September
Where: Conference Room 3 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York (also on UNWeb TV)
Who: UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany will represent the Organisation
The ocean is essential to life on this planet. And yet, it is under more pressure than ever, from climate change to pollution to illegal fishing. We need proper ocean observation to react effectively to planetary crises or ensure a competitive economy in the long term. Co-chaired by the European Union and Canada, with support from UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, this meeting of the International Alliance for Global Ocean Observing System, will be an opportunity to mobilise greater investment and strengthen coordination on ocean and marine activities.
Multiply Possibility High-Level Event: A new era for education financing
When: 23 September, 13:15–14:30 New York time.
Where: ECOSOC Chamber, UN Headquarters
Who: UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany will represent the Organisation
This high-level event at the UN General Assembly in New York is co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Italy and Nigeria to the UN and GPE, and will bring together heads of state, ministers, and leaders from international organizations, civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector to announce investments in GPE, domestic financing, and co-financing, needed to transform education for 750 million children. Learn more
High-Level Event on the Restitution, Return, Preservation and Renewal of Cultural Heritage
When: 23 September, 13:00–15:00 New York time
Where: The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York City
Who: UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany will represent the Organisation
Hosted by Ghana, the event is convened in cooperation with the African Union and co-sponsored by Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the Holy See.
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