In a high-level event on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80), the Kingdom of Morocco launched its new Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Hub. Implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the new Hub aims to help countries in the Arab States region and Africa harness digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation, and strengthen regional and cross-regional cooperation to accelerate progress towards the globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"The adoption of Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a decisive global issue, and Morocco is determined to play an active role by harnessing this technology in the service of inclusive and sustainable human development," declared HE Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco.
With two-thirds of the global population connected to the internet, digital transformation is reshaping economies and societies worldwide, with artificial intelligence at the heart of this transformation. Yet the Arab and African regions continue to face systemic challenges to stay at pace. Challenges include misaligned policies and regulations; fragmented systems; talent gaps and high costs. And without global collaboration and regional coordination, these divides risk deepening. The D4SD Hub responds to this urgency by serving as a platform to co-create, pilot, and scale people-centred and inclusive solutions. It will promote AI-powered services in health, education, climate resilience, and governance, while empowering women and youth as leaders of the digital age.
"Digital transformation is a cornerstone of UNDP's newly adopted 2026-2029 Strategic Plan-an essential accelerator of systemic change across all areas of development. We are committed to helping governments harness AI in ways that build trust, ensure transparency, and promote equity," said Haoliang Xu, UNDP's Acting Administrator. "Through the D4SD Hub, Morocco and UNDP are creating a platform for countries to co-design, test, and scale digital solutions that serve people and the planet."
Prior to the launch, the Kingdom of Morocco and UNDP signed the project document establishing the Digital for Sustainable Development Hub, with a total budget of US$ 38 million over three years, including USD 8 million from the Government of Morocco and US$ 1 million, as an in-kind contribution from UNDP.
"The initiative that we are launching today reflects Morocco's steadfast determination to make technology a driver of equity, innovation, and opportunity, both within our borders and across Africa and the Arab region," asserted HE Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform. "The D4SD Hub translates Morocco's vision of a digital future that leaves no one behind into a concrete reality, backed with our strong commitment and the collective expertise of our partners."
The launch event convened ministers and member state representatives from the Arab States region and Africa, relevant United Nations officials, private sector innovators, civil society partners, and other stakeholders to deliberate means to forge an AI and Data Science Alliance for Arab States and Africa-a multi-stakeholder platform designed to harmonize standards, strengthen talent development, and promote the responsible use of AI for sustainable development. The Alliance will work in close coordination with the D4SD Hub.
Through this initiative, Morocco asserts its leadership and commitment to South-South cooperation for digital transformation, working hand in hand with UNDP and partners to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem. The new Hub also aligns with the United Nations Secretary-General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, UNDP's Global Digital Strategy, and the digital agendas of the African Union and Arab League.
