Microsoft pledges support for the UN80 initiative with free training for all UN staff

Microsoft has pledged to support the UN80 Initiative with a range of measures including funding, affording pricing for UN members and AI training for UN staff.

The UN80 initiative is a new system of reforms aiming to reduce bureaucratic burdens and ensure the UN can better meet changing global needs.

Microsoft says it will make digital and AI literacy training and credentials available to all UN staff including the training needed to adopt and scale the technology across UN agencies, missions and offices.

The company has also announced plans to invest in an innovation fund to support UN80 initiatives, focusing on those which could be accelerated with the use of AI and digital technologies.

Until June 2027, Microsoft will also offer a special UN80 offer, providing affordable pricing for the UN system in a bid to ensure access to digital tools. 

Microsoft has also shared plans to bring together private sector parents to align resources, expertise, and innovation in support of UN80 priorities. British professional services giant EY is the first to join, pledging to use its expertise and capacity to support UN80-aligned initiatives.

To support the pledges, Microsoft will set up a dedicated UN80 engagement team, which will provide a point of contact for UN counterparts and engage with UN leaders to align priorities. 

Justin Spelhaug, President at Microsoft Elevate, shared the news on LinkedIn, adding: “Microsoft is committed to help the UN’s next-era by bringing together innovation, affordability, AI capacity-building, and partner collaboration. Our goal is to help UN teams deliver with greater agility, accountability, and resilience. 

“We meet the UN where it is—supporting its mandates with responsible technology, strengthening transparency and trust, and aligning resources to scale proven solutions across the system. Together, we can drive real impact and unlock new possibilities.”