UN Virtual Worlds Day 2024
The UN Futures Lab/Global Hub, in partnership with the World Bank, International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC ILO), and the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), co-hosted, designed, and facilitated an interactive strategic foresight process for the inaugural UN Virtual Worlds Day 2024 in Geneva organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The process aimed to explore how virtual worlds and the metaverse can drive progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by (i) facilitating an experience-based discussion in a metaverse environment followed by (ii) an in-person visioning workshop in Geneva on 14 June 2024. Both sessions drew on foresight methodologies addressed the intersection of technology with politics, governance, economic development, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.
- Informed policy recommendations: Provided multistakeholder input on aligning virtual worlds with the SDGs.
- Catalyzed innovation: Highlighted pathways for integrating virtual worlds into global strategies for sustainable development.
- Enhanced collaboration: Connected experts from across sectors to explore shared challenges and opportunities in leveraging digital technologies.
Why it matters
Virtual worlds and the metaverse hold significant potential to transform solutions for global challenges, spanning areas such as education, healthcare, climate action, and governance. The foresight sessions at the UN Virtual Worlds Day 2024 underscored both the synergies and challenges these technologies present across various SDGs, including education, health, climate action, and reducing inequalities. They highlighted critical priorities, such as ensuring equitable access, safeguarding user safety, upholding ethical standards, and developing sustainable business models. Additionally, the discussions emphasized the vital role of regulatory frameworks, capacity building, and inclusive design in promoting widespread adoption and scalability ofthese technologies.
