The Regional Symposium on Effective Governance, an annual event by UN DESA in the Asia-Pacific and beyond, focuses on raising awareness of key public governance issues, examining current trends, and offering innovative solutions to help UN Member States enhance their capacity to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This year’s Symposium, themed “Effective Governance and AI Transformation for the 2030 Agenda: Fostering Transformative Actions for Innovating Public Services,” will be held from October 30 to November 1, 2024, in Incheon, Republic of Korea. It is organized by UN DESA’s Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG), in partnership with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety and Incheon Metropolitan City.

Building on outcomes from recent key events like the 2023 SDG Summit and the 2024 UN Public Service Forum, the 8th Regional Symposium will highlight the role of effective governance and AI integration in driving public sector innovation, improving efficiency, and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs. It will explore how AI can transform public services, enhance government operations, and address current and future challenges in public administration.

The Symposium’s themes will align with the Global Digital Compact, which was adopted at the 2024 Summit of the Future, and reflect the “Quintet of Change,” focusing on innovation, data, digitalization, and foresight for a secure, inclusive digital future.

Objectives:

The 8th Regional Symposium aims to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia, the Pacific, and beyond by utilizing effective governance and AI technologies. It brings together participants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to share experiences and expertise on AI-driven public service innovation. The objectives include:

1. Sharing country experiences on integrating AI into public service delivery to enhance SDG achievement.

2. Exploring innovative, actionable solutions that connect governance, AI, digital inclusion, and sustainable development.

3. Advancing SDG commitments through knowledge exchange and learning.

4. Promoting regional cooperation to support governance and AI transformation in public administration.

Organizers:

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG) with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea (MOIS) and Incheon Metropolitan City

Thematic areas:

The Symposium will begin with a high-level opening and a session titled “Artificial Intelligence and the SDGs – Paving the Way for Accelerating Action.” It will then explore four key themes, aligning with the UN’s “Quintet of Change” for UN 2.0:

1. AI-driven innovation in public administration

2. Digital inclusion and equitable governance through AI

3. AI for early warning systems and community resilience

4. Ethical use of AI in the public sector

Additional features include a Local Governance Forum, the Asia-Pacific launch of the UN E-Government Survey 2024, a Learning Lab on AI and strategic foresight, and a Youth Session.

Who is the target of this program?

The Regional Symposium will primarily bring together government representatives from Asia and the Pacific countries, and East Africa and beyond. Participants will comprise of government officials, in particular SDG focal points, representatives of ministries or other entities in charge of public administration and/or overseeing public service management, and ministries and agencies in charge of Planning, Environment, ICT and innovation, and other relevant stakeholders who are responsible for risk-informed disaster risk reduction, climate change, schools and training institutes, the private sector, civil society organizations, and academia.

How to apply?

Applicants can register online.

Apply now

UN DESA/DPIDG/UNPOG invites you to participate in the Symposium. While the organizers cannot support your in-person attendance, you are welcome to participate online.

Certificate of Participation

Participants who attend at least three sessions and complete the post-event evaluation will receive a certificate of participation upon request.

• Aide Memoire
• Agenda at a Glance
• Agenda
• Information Note

For more information on the Symposium, please visit UNPOG’s website or contact Ana Thorlund at (thorlund@un.org).