The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in collaboration with the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40) and supported by the UNITAR SDGs Singapore Center (GSLDC), is pleased to announce the launch of the International Exchanges on Digital Economy Governance and Leadership Talent Capacity Building Programme. This initiative is part of a growing partnership to enhance global cooperation, strengthen digital governance capacity, and support the implementation of the United Nations Global Digital Compact and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Programme Overview
The programme brings together senior government officials, city leaders, policymakers, and industry executives for an intensive capacity-building experience. The onsite training will take place on 26 January 2026 in Beijing, complemented by a ten-week online learning phase designed to equip participants with practical knowledge on digital transformation, governance innovation, and emerging technologies.
Strengthening Global Digital Leadership
The programme aims to cultivate adaptive digital leaders with strong strategic thinking, policy design capabilities, industry engagement experience, and international cooperation skills.
With support from the UNITAR SDGs Singapore Center, this initiative empowers public officials and corporate leaders to address key challenges, including digital infrastructure gaps, governance frameworks, innovation ecosystems, and talent development in the digital economy.
Programme Structure
The training adopts a blended learning model consisting of:
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Ten weeks of online learning, featuring expert-led webinars and thematic knowledge sessions
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Ten days of onsite study in Beijing, including case studies, policy dialogues, and field visits to leading enterprises
The onsite component will be implemented with the support of the UNITAR SDGs Singapore Center (GSLDC), a joint institutional initiative dedicated to advancing SDG-related capacity development and leadership training.
Key Thematic Areas
Participants will engage with a broad range of topics, including:
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Digital governance and policy innovation
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Smart cities and urban digital transformation
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Artificial intelligence for development
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Industrial internet and smart manufacturing
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Digital infrastructure, connectivity, and cybersecurity
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E-commerce, FinTech, and cross-border trade
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Public–private partnerships for digital development
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South–South cooperation and knowledge sharing
Who Should Attend
Government Officials
Mayors, deputy mayors, directors-general, and senior experts working in the digital economy, ICT, industry, trade, science and technology, or related fields.
Corporate Leaders
CEOs, CTOs, COOs, and heads of digital transformation from enterprises operating in digital infrastructure, intelligent manufacturing, e-commerce, and innovation-driven sectors.
City Alliances, Industry Associations, and Think Tanks
Senior representatives engaged in digital policy, innovation ecosystems, or international cooperation.
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate relevant experience and clearly outline their motivations and expected outcomes in the application form.
Travel, Accommodation, and Support
The programme’s donor will fully cover:
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Economy-class round-trip airfare to Beijing
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Hotel accommodation
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Meals and local transportation during the onsite training
Language
The onsite programme will include simultaneous and consecutive interpretation between Chinese and English.
Online modules will be conducted primarily in English.
Application and Nomination Process
Applicants must submit:
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A completed Application Form
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A Letter of Recommendation from their institution (if applicable)
Application deadline: 7 January 2026
🔗 Application link and further information:
https://unitar.org/about/news-stories/news/unitar-and-dec40-launch-international-digital-economy-governance-and-capacity-building-programme
For additional inquiries, please contact: Jiadan.yu@unitar.org