The year 2025 marks two significant milestones in the global multilateral system: the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations and the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations University (UNU). As the UN reflects on eight decades of peacebuilding, sustainability, and inclusive development—and UNU celebrates five decades of bridging academic research and policy practice—this historic moment calls for renewed global commitment to governance, cooperation, and inclusive innovation.
To honor these legacies, the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) will host a multi-day, three-pillar event series from October 23–25, 2025, elevating its annual AI Conference into a broader platform for dialogue, education, and youth engagement.
Milestone Series Pillars
Pillar 1: UNU Macau AI Conference 2025
Theme: AI for Humanity: Building an Equitable Digital Future
Taking place on UN Day (Oct 24), this high-level forum will convene global thought leaders, policymakers, and interdisciplinary researchers to examine how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to support sustainable development, particularly in the Global South. The discussions will reinforce the principles of the UN Global Digital Compact and the UN 2.0 vision for modernization.
Pillar 2: AI Education Day
Focusing on AI education and capacity-building, this full-day program on Oct 25 will feature expert-led masterclasses, interactive workshops, and a Model UN simulation. Designed to cultivate digital literacy and responsible AI awareness, it aims to empower students and educators from Macau, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.
Pillar 3: AI for SDGs - Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2025
Theme: AI for the Environment: Ecological Environment and Green Transition Challenges
This international competition invites youth-led teams to present AI-driven solutions that tackle environmental sustainability and support a green transition. As part of the overall event series, the final project presentations and awards ceremony will be held during the conference, offering a platform for young innovators to showcase their work. A dedicated Macau Prize will recognize outstanding local contributions that combine technological creativity with community impact.
UNU Macau welcomes stakeholders from across government, academia, industry, and civil society to participate in this commemorative series. Together, we can advance a shared vision for a more inclusive, sustainable, and digitally resilient future.
For further inquiries, please contact: AIConference@unu.edu
