Funglode and GFDD Strengthen Their International Presence at Leading Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Summits in Geneva

The institutions participated in the AI for Good Global Summit and the WSIS Forum 2026, two major United Nations platforms addressing the future of artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, and technology governance.

Geneva, Switzerland. – The Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (Funglode) and the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) participated in two of the world’s leading international gatherings focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the information society, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6 to 10, 2026.

The events brought together representatives of governments, international organizations, academia, the private sector, technical communities, and civil society to examine the challenges and opportunities associated with emerging technologies.

Representing both institutions, Graciano Gaillard participated in a program of meetings and activities at the AI for Good Global Summit and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026. Throughout his participation, he shared Funglode and GFDD’s institutional vision of a people-centered digital transformation that advances sustainable development and is grounded in inclusion, innovation, responsible governance, and international cooperation.

The AI for Good Global Summit, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with more than 50 United Nations agencies and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland, addressed artificial intelligence governance, responsible innovation, capacity-building, and the potential of AI to contribute to solutions to major global challenges.

Held from July 7 to 10 at the Palexpo convention center, the summit also showcased technological advances and innovative applications in areas such as health, transportation, education, robotics, and entertainment.

As part of their engagement in Geneva, Funglode and GFDD also participated in the WSIS Forum 2026, held from July 6 to 10 at ITU headquarters and Palexpo. The Forum convened international leaders and stakeholders to discuss digital cooperation, internet governance, online safety, data governance, digital inclusion, emerging technologies, and the development of the skills required to respond to rapid technological change.

The Forum’s inaugural high-level plenary featured ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin; Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly; Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia; and other international leaders.

Discussions emphasized the importance of building an inclusive, people-centered, and development-oriented information society. Participants also examined the need to close persistent digital divides, strengthen public trust and digital skills, promote international cooperation, and ensure that technological innovation advances sustainable development and respects human rights.

As part of his participation, Gaillard highlighted the strategic role of think tanks and civil society organizations in generating knowledge, contributing to policy development, and promoting responsible access to and use of emerging technologies as instruments for sustainable and inclusive development.

The participation of Funglode and GFDD in both events reaffirms their commitment to international dialogue and cooperation within the United Nations system. This engagement is supported by the respective consultative status maintained by both institutions with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), as well as by their sustained participation in global discussions on democracy, development, innovation, and technological transformation.

Through their participation in the AI for Good Global Summit and the WSIS Forum 2026, Funglode and GFDD continue to strengthen their presence in the leading international forums shaping the future of digital transformation.

Both institutions promote a vision in which artificial intelligence and emerging technologies serve as tools for reducing inequalities, expanding opportunities, and advancing human development, while ensuring that people remain at the center of public policy, technological innovation, and international cooperation.