By Kasturi Datta |
Microsoft will make a multimillion-dollar investment to establish an innovation fund for the United Nations, as part of a series of commitments in support of the organisation’s UN80 initiative, launched in 2025 to mark its 80th anniversary and focused on making it more agile and efficient.
Microsoft’s UN80 pledge is structured around four pillars: the innovation fund, affordable pricing for the UN; AI training and readiness for UN staff; and mobilising private sector partners.
The innovation fund will “support priority UN80 initiatives, particularly where AI and digital technologies can accelerate outcomes,” according to a blog post by Justin Spelhaug, president of Microsoft Elevate. “Access to secure, modern digital tools is foundational to the UN’s ability to operate effectively across geographies and mandates.”
EY is the first partner to join this coalition, making a similar pledge to contribute expertise and capacity. “Together, Microsoft and EY are working to anchor this early private-sector coalition in shared purpose and equip the UN with the tools and capabilities to advance reform at scale,” said Spelhaug.“Our hope is that UN80 is more than an aspiration, and that it promotes modernisation, accountability, transparency, and efficiency for years to come.”