Step into the future of AI-powered virtual worlds, where the citiverse seamlessly integrates digital and physical experiences. Discover how ITU is advancing innovation, inclusion, and sustainability in the evolving landscape of interconnected intelligent environments, including the metaverse.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
How the ITU helps shape the metaverse and AI-powered virtual worlds
Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI
The Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI – Discovering the Citiverse, launched by ITU, Digital Dubai, and UNICC, is a global platform shaping policy innovation for safe, open, and interoperable AI-powered virtual worlds. It empowers governments, businesses, and communities to harness the citiverse for public services, economic growth, and digital trust in an AI-driven future.
Meetings and events
ITU, together with partners, invites you to unravel the citiverse and virtual worlds through a series of worldwide forums, special sessions, and webinars.
- 2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day (Turin, Italy, 11-12 June 2025) >
- WSIS Session on Leaving No One Behind in the Citiverse (Geneva, Switzerland, 8 July 2025) >
- AI for Good Workshop on AI & virtual worlds: Building the cities and governments of tomorrow (Geneva, Switzerland, 9 July 2025) >
- Award ceremony of the 1st UN Citiverse Challenge [Startup Category] (Valencia, Spain, 23-24 October 2025) >
- Annual Assembly of the Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI – Discovering the Citiverse (Valencia, Spain, 3 November 2025) >
2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day
The 2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day brought together 650 participants, including governments, cities, and innovators to explore how AI-powered virtual worlds can empower communities and tackle global challenges.
The next UN Virtual Worlds Day will take place on 11 -12 May 2026 in Geneva. Stay tuned!
1st UN Citiverse Challenge
The 1st UN Citiverse Challenge was co-organized by ITU and global partners, inviting students and startups from around the world to reimagine the future through the lens of the Citiverse and digital public infrastructure.
Focusing on three key themes—access to public services, sustainability & resilience, and tourism & digital culture—participants were challenged to design bold and innovative solutions to help shape the cities of tomorrow.
Congratulations to Team DataLab, winner of the student category, for their outstanding contribution!
The winner of the start-up category will be officially celebrated at a special event in Valencia in October 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates!
ITU Focus Group on metaverse (FG-MV)
The FG-MV successfully concluded on 13 June 2024 marking a significant milestone.
Over the course of a year and a half, the group achieved an impressive feat by approving 52 Technical Reports and Technical Specifications.
The engaging forums and special sessions attracted a remarkable attendance of more than 17,000 participants.
