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Introduction to the Digital Technology and Sustainable Development Talent Programme

The United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) offers a training initiative known as the Digital Technology and Sustainable Development Talent Program (UNDSDP). This program is designed to bridge research and practice, sharing policy-relevant insights on digital technology and sustainable development while cultivating a new generation of globally minded talent for international organizations.

The Youth Scholar Training Camp

The Youth Scholar Training Camp is tailored for young scholars currently enrolled in higher education or in the early stages of their research careers. This immersive experience nurtures strategic thinking, leadership potential, and research capabilities in digital technology and sustainable development.

Program Details

• The program is a one-week, in-person training in Macau.
• Participants will gain exposure to the United Nations system and explore career pathways within international organizations working at the intersection of technology, development, and governance.
• They will participate in lectures and interactive workshops examining the role of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in sustainable development and public policy.
• Participants will develop an understanding of policy-oriented research from the perspective of a United Nations research institute.
• They will collaborate in guided group work to analyze real-world development and policy challenges related to AI, work, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Participants will produce and present a group-based policy-relevant output, such as a short analytical blog and presentation, to peers and facilitators.
• They will build professional networks and form an alumni community with fellow participants.
• Participants will have the opportunity to publish blogs on the UNU Macau website.

Digital Technology and Sustainable Development in the Age of AI

Digital technology is increasingly shaping how societies work, govern, and pursue sustainable development. The program examines these issues through a policy-oriented research lens, focusing on how AI is transforming work, skills, and development trajectories across diverse social and economic contexts.

Key Focus Areas

• Understanding how AI operates, who it affects, and with what consequences.
• Introduction to key policy debates, analytical frameworks, and research approaches used within the United Nations system.
• Assessing the opportunities and risks associated with AI-driven change.
• Practical skill-building, including the responsible use of AI as a research and analytical tool.

Special Topics for 2026: AI and the Future of Work

The winter 2026 program particularly focuses on how artificial intelligence is reshaping work and labour markets, and the policy challenges that emerge from these transformations. As AI is adopted across industries, it alters skill requirements, reorganizes production processes, and changes how work is structured and valued.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the distribution of AI's risks and opportunities across social groups, sectors, and labour market actors.
• Recognize and explain how AI is reshaping work and labour markets.
• Apply AI tools responsibly in policy-oriented research.
• Identify and evaluate pathways for youth engagement in digital and technology-related policy processes.
• Collaborate effectively in a guided group project to investigate a real-world policy challenge related to AI and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Demonstrate strengthened interdisciplinary skills, including policy communication, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving.

Programme Schedule

The program includes an online orientation and an in-person training in Macau from February 23 to 27, 2026. The schedule may include sessions such as:

• Opening and icebreaker
• Introduction to the UN system and SDGs
• Group project and field visit orientation
• Sessions on SDGs and digital technology, AI and the future of work, and more
• Career workshop
• Field visit
• Group work sessions
• Presentations and a closing ceremony

Who Should Apply?

• Senior undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in global and local policymaking and policy research.
• Students enrolled in disciplines with a focus on social science, computer science, education, international relations, communications, or similar areas.
• Individuals interested in the United Nations system and sustainable development.
• Proficient in English.

Fees and Scholarships

• Tuition: USD 1,200
• Estimated living expenses: Approximately USD 500 (self-funded)
• Applicants may apply for scholarships or subsidies of up to USD 600
• Institutional applicants are encouraged to consult their universities or employers
• Macau-based students are eligible for tuition discounts

Application Details

• Application deadline: February 13, 2026 (GMT+8)
• Capacity: Limited to 40 participants; early application is encouraged

Meet the Training Team

The training team includes:

• Jaimee Stuart, Senior Researcher and Team Lead
• Georgina Curto Rex, Senior Researcher and Team Lead
• Ally S. Nyamawe, Researcher
• Farhan Latif, Post-Doctoral Fellow
• Min Yang, Researcher
• Louisa Lei, Programme and Administrative Services Officer
• Qian Dai, Communication & External Relations Officer

Upon Successful Completion

Participants will receive certificates of completion issued by UNU Macau. Award certificates will be given to participants with the highest-rated projects and individuals identified as having high levels of performance during the program. Participants will also form an alumni network with the existing and future participants. Exceptional participants may receive internship opportunities with UNU Macau or be invited back to future editions of the program to share their experiences.