Geneva, Switzerland.– The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (Funglode) and the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) participated in the AI for Good Global Summit and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026, two of the main international meetings dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and technological governance, held last week in Geneva.
Both events brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, the private sector, and civil society organizations to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies, with an emphasis on digital inclusion, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
Representing both institutions was Graciano Gaillard, who carried out a work agenda at both forums and presented the vision of Funglode and GFDD on the importance of promoting a people-centered digital transformation, based on principles of innovation, inclusion, and cooperation.
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During the AI for Good Global Summit, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) together with more than 50 United Nations system agencies, topics related to artificial intelligence governance, its responsible development, and its potential to contribute to solving global challenges were analyzed. The summit also served as a stage to present technological advances and innovative applications in areas such as health, transportation, and entertainment.
Likewise, the institutions participated in the WSIS Forum 2026, held from July 7 to 11 at the Palexpo convention center, where international leaders addressed issues related to digital cooperation, Internet governance, cybersecurity, data management, bridging the digital divide, and strengthening human capacities in the face of accelerated technological development.
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During the opening session, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the need to move towards more inclusive Internet governance. In the same vein, various participants agreed that the development of artificial intelligence must be oriented towards the well-being of people and the respect for human rights.
For her part, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, highlighted the role of connectivity in expanding educational opportunities and improving quality of life, while the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, shared his country’s digital transformation experience and underscored the importance of citizen trust, institutional transparency, and the strengthening of digital skills to consolidate a digital government model.
In one of the forum sessions, Graciano Gaillard highlighted the strategic role of think tanks and civil society organizations in generating knowledge, formulating proposals, and promoting access to and responsible use of emerging technologies as tools to drive development.
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Funglode and GFDD noted that their presence at both meetings reaffirms the institutions’ commitment to dialogue and international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations system, supported by the consultative status they hold with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
With their participation in these summits, both organizations continue to strengthen their presence in international spaces where policies on artificial intelligence and digital transformation are discussed, promoting a vision aimed at reducing inequalities, expanding opportunities, and placing people at the center of innovation and development.
