UNDP Responsible Digital Transformation: Impact Assessments for AI & Data Governance Course 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the UNDP Responsible Digital Transformation: Impact Assessments for AI & Data Governance Course 2026. This fully funded four-week online programme is designed to equip government officials, policymakers, and development practitioners with practical skills to assess the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven systems in public governance.

As governments around the world increasingly adopt AI, digital public infrastructure, and data-driven technologies to improve public services, ensuring these systems are transparent, fair, accountable, and inclusive has become a global priority. While AI has enormous potential to transform healthcare, education, justice, social protection, and public administration, it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, human rights, bias, accountability, and ethical governance.

To address these challenges, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Academy and with support from the European Union's Global Gateway Strategy, has developed this intermediate-level course to help participants move beyond theoretical discussions and apply practical impact assessment tools in real-world governance contexts.

About the Course

Responsible digital transformation goes beyond introducing new technologies into government systems. It requires ensuring that AI and digital innovations respect human rights, protect personal data, reduce discrimination, promote transparency, and strengthen public trust.

This course builds on UNDP's Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) methodology and introduces participants to practical frameworks for identifying, assessing, and mitigating the risks associated with AI-enabled public services and digital governance initiatives.

Rather than focusing solely on policy principles, participants will work through a structured process that helps them evaluate actual AI or data governance projects. They will learn how to identify affected stakeholders, recognize potential risks, analyze social and human rights impacts, and recommend practical governance measures to improve accountability and responsible implementation.

Course Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

• Free participation in the entire four-week programme.
• Live online sessions delivered by international experts.
• Practical training on AI and digital governance impact assessments.
• Access to UNDP's Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) methodology.
• Hands-on experience developing a real-world AI impact assessment.
• Interactive group exercises and case studies.
• Networking opportunities with policymakers and digital transformation professionals worldwide.
• Official ITU Academy certificate upon successful completion of the course requirements.
• Knowledge that can be directly applied to digital transformation initiatives within participants' institutions.

The course is funded through the European Union's Global Gateway Strategy, allowing selected participants to attend at no cost.

Eligibility Criteria

The course is primarily intended for:

• Government officials.
• Policymakers.
• Development practitioners.
• Public sector professionals working on digital transformation.
• Professionals involved in AI governance or data governance.
• Officials working in digital public infrastructure initiatives.
• Staff from public service institutions, regulatory agencies, and National Human Rights Institutions.

Applicants should also meet the following requirements:

• Have a basic understanding of digital systems and artificial intelligence.
• Ideally possess at least two years of experience in digital policy, ICT, governance, or digital transformation.
• Hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, or have at least three years of relevant professional experience if they do not possess a university degree.
• Demonstrate fluency in English.
• Show a strong interest in applying practical AI impact assessment tools within their organization.

Government officials and policymakers from developing countries, particularly women, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online application questionnaire.
• Motivation letter.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant professional experience.
• Motivation for participating.
• Current role in digital transformation, AI, or data governance.
• Potential to apply course knowledge within the applicant's institution.
• Quality of the application questionnaire and motivation letter.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Visit the official ITU Academy course page.
2. Create an ITU Academy account if you do not already have one.
3. Complete the online application questionnaire.
4. Upload your motivation letter and updated CV.
5. Review your application carefully.
6. Submit your application before the deadline.