Webinar – UN 2.0 Week Side event on Harnessing the metaverse and virtual worlds for global impact

Description

In an era where digital landscapes are rapidly evolving, the side event “Harnessing the metaverse and virtual worlds for global impact” explored the revolutionary power of virtual worlds. This dynamic side event highlighted the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative, and investigated the metaverse’s capacity to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Participants engaged in discussions on how virtual simulations can contribute to environmental sustainability, the role of immersive learning in reshaping education, and the enhancement of public services through participatory governance. The event showcased the metaverse’s limitless potential for fostering positive global change.

Thematic Focus

The event focused on the following key topics:

• Sustainable Digital Transformation: Investigating the metaverse’s role in driving the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and how virtual worlds can model and simulate solutions for real-world environmental challenges.
• Data for Smarter Insights: Harnessing the power of data within virtual environments to gain deeper insights into global issues and inform decision-making processes.
• Developing Digital Skills: Creating immersive learning experiences in the metaverse to bridge the digital divide and foster essential digital competencies for the future.
• Fostering Collaboration: Utilizing the metaverse to enhance participatory governance and public service delivery, encouraging innovation through shared virtual spaces.

Target Audience

Participation is open to representatives from UN entities, experts in ICTs, virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive technologies, government officials leading smart city initiatives, academics and educators specializing in digital learning, technology innovators and developers, NGOs and civil society organizations advocating for sustainable development and digital inclusion. Participation is free of charge. 

Note: By registering for this event, you agree for ITU (the event organizer and data controller) to process your personal data for the organization and management of the event in accordance with the ITU Data Protection and Privacy Policy. The personal data you submit as part of the registration and your participation in the event will be used by ITU for the organization, management, and follow-up of the event, including managing attendance and for internal ITU administrative requirements. The event is taking place via Zoom, and it will be recorded. You can read here Zoom’s privacy notice on how it processes your personal data. The event video recording will be made publicly available on ITU’s event webpage to raise awareness and promote standardization aiming at knowledge-transfer and bridging the standardization gap. For any questions or requests concerning your personal data, including your inclusion in video, you can contact ITU at digitaltransformation@itu.int.