Digital@UNGA81 2026 Side event on “Bridging Central Africa’s Digital Divide: Public-Private Partnerships for Youth, Trade, and Inclusive AI in the Sahel.”

22 September 2026 | American Red Cross, Greater New York Region Headquarters, New York City, USA | Hybrid Session

Prof. Dr. Joshua Trust Ntambwe, Executive Director of International Promoting Human Development (IPHD), participated as a panelist in “Bridging Central Africa’s Digital Divide: Public-Private Partnerships for Youth, Trade, and Inclusive AI in the Sahel.”

Organized by Nation Builders University, the session took place at the American Red Cross, Greater New York Region headquarters in New York City, with online participation, during the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. This independently organized Digital@UNGA 2026 affiliate session explored how cooperation can expand digital access, strengthen youth entrepreneurship, support trade and advance inclusive artificial intelligence.

Developing People at the Heart of Digital Transformation

IPHD’s contribution centred on a clear principle: meaningful digital transformation begins with people. Connectivity must be accompanied by the skills, confidence, critical thinking and opportunities that enable individuals to improve their lives and strengthen their communities.

Drawing on IPHD’s inside-out approach to human development, Professor Ntambwe’s perspective connects digital inclusion with education, leadership and entrepreneurship. For young people across Central Africa and the Sahel, digital progress means gaining the capacity to create businesses, develop locally relevant solutions and participate in the digital economy.

Advancing Inclusive and Responsible AI

IPHD advocates for artificial intelligence that is accessible, affordable and responsive to local realities. Human dignity, local languages, cultural contexts and community priorities should guide the development and deployment of digital solutions.

This approach recognizes young people as innovators and decision-makers whose knowledge and creativity can help shape sustainable development.

Building Partnerships for Sustainable Opportunity

Effective digital inclusion requires sustained cooperation among governments, businesses, universities and civil society. IPHD promotes partnerships that connect infrastructure and investment with practical training, entrepreneurship and access to markets.

Through its “Minimum for a Better Life for All” initiative and integrated human development approach, IPHD seeks to translate international dialogue into opportunities that support education, decent work, reduced inequalities and resilient communities.

Develop people. Build capacity. Create opportunity. Sustain progress through partnerships.

Explore and collaborate

Organizations interested in discussing training, research or pilot collaboration are invited to contact:johnthomas@iphdglobal.org