As we reach the close of 2025 and celebrate 55 years of UNICC’s service to the UN system and other international organizations, I am honoured to share a reflection on this year’s collective accomplishments and to reaffirm our shared commitment to a more resilient, inclusive, and forward‑looking digital future.
This year has been marked by profound transformation, both within the UN system and across the global digital ecosystem. Challenging contexts, rapid technological shifts, and heightened expectations for greater operational efficiency have underscored the essential role of digital foundations in pursuing our mandates and missions. In this landscape, UNICC has continued to evolve as a trusted partner, co‑creator, and catalyst for innovation across the UN family and international organizations.
2025 saw the launch of several flagship initiatives that reflect UNICC’s continued commitment to strengthening digital sovereignty, security, and sustainability across the multilateral system. Among them, UNIQCloud, a private cloud solution tailored to the UN’s unique needs, offers a secure, flexible, and scalable infrastructure. Likewise, the UNICC AI Hub is enabling responsible, inclusive adoption of artificial intelligence by supporting entities across the system to explore and deploy AI technologies in a trusted, collaborative environment.
Throughout the year, UNICC also remained at the forefront of global digital dialogue and open collaboration. Our active participation in key convenings—including WSIS+20, the AI for Good Global Summit, and side events during UNGA80—highlighted how UNICC drives digital collaboration. We were also honoured to join the Digital Public Goods Alliance, reaffirming our commitment to open-source, interoperable digital solutions that accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
We hosted two key events for our partners and clients this past year: the first Annual UNICC Forum and the 7th Common Secure Conference. The Forum brought together over 100 technology leaders and digital experts from the UN system and other international organizations to showcase UNICC capabilities, explore opportunities through shared services, and exchange experiences that accelerate digital transformation. Meanwhile, the Common Secure Conference focused on fostering cybersecurity collaboration and promoting shared approaches to addressing AI-driven risks and opportunities.
This momentum was further amplified through strategic external engagement, enabling joint action on emerging technologies and policy-shaping initiatives. Working closely with Digital Dubai and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), we made substantial progress in advancing the Citiverse initiative—a visionary effort to shape a future where AI-powered virtual worlds are inclusive, trusted, and interoperable.
Our longstanding partnership with the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and academic experts led to the publication of a forward-looking white paper exploring blockchain-based digital identity for the UN system. Moreover, our UNICC AI Hub and the Frugal AI Hub at Cambridge Judge Business School published a new paper presenting a practical and standardized framework for measuring the true value of an organization’s AI portfolio. Finally, the UNICC–NYU School of Professional Studies white paper demonstrates how students and UNICC product managers collaborated to develop a multilingual AI prototype that detects misinformation and xenophobic narratives.
Beyond our flagship initiatives, 2025 was also a year of consistent, behind-the-scenes progress. From expanding our AI-driven operations and services, to enhancing cybersecurity threat intelligence and incident response capabilities, to developing tools for digital ID, our teams delivered with adaptability and excellence. We have improved service delivery, optimized internal operations, and deepened our capacity in key areas, including platform management, DevSecOps, agile development, and multilingual support.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication, professionalism, and resilience of the entire UNICC team. In a year marked by complexity and change, our colleagues across the globe consistently went above and beyond—delivering excellence, embracing innovation, and upholding the values that define who we are. It is their unwavering commitment that allows UNICC to continue supporting our partners and clients with trust and impact. To every colleague: thank you for your outstanding work, your adaptability, and your shared belief in the mission we serve.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Purpose
As we honour our 55-year legacy, we do so in times that demand creativity, collaboration, and shared resolve. UNICC’s journey reflects not only technological progress but also a steadfast commitment to supporting our partners and clients in delivering meaningful impact for people and planet.
I extend my deepest appreciation to our partners and stakeholders across the UN system, Member States, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Your trust, collaboration, and shared purpose have been instrumental in advancing shared solutions and in shaping a future that is more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of all.
As we look toward 2026, may we continue to strengthen partnerships, broaden inclusive digital development, and champion innovations that fortify the resilience of institutions worldwide. Together, we can build a UN system and international community that is agile, secure, and equipped for the digital challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
In appreciation of our continued collaboration,
Sameer Chauhan
Director, UNICC