In a major step forward for inclusive global digital governance, the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), in cooperation with several national United Nations Associations (UNAs), has joined efforts under the Bits for Atoms Alliance. This new platform seeks to mobilize a broad coalition of civil society, academia, and tech innovators to shape the future of AI and emerging technologies through ethical, inclusive, and human-centered principles.
The Bits for Atoms Alliance (B4A) derives its name from the convergence of the digital and physical — bits symbolizing data and code, and atoms representing the real-world impact of technology. According to WFUNA officials, the alliance is inspired by the UN’s call for a Global Digital Compact and the growing urgency to democratize access to AI tools and frameworks.
“We recognized a gap between global digital policymaking and local empowerment,” said Lisa Montoya, one of the UNA representatives involved in the founding committee. “B4A aims to connect those dots — to support digital capacity-building on the ground while also contributing to the shaping of international AI norms.”
The alliance plans to work on three key fronts: (1) Education and outreach on AI literacy, especially in underserved regions; (2) Policy engagement with the UN, the EU, and other multilateral bodies; and (3) A digital commons initiative to provide open-source tools, datasets, and community training hubs.
Its steering committee includes representatives from UNA-UK, UNA-Georgia, UNA-Kenya, and WFUNA Youth delegates. The group is also in dialogue with UNESCO’s ethics of AI division and the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology.
The Bits for Atoms Alliance is expected to host its first global forum later this year, with working groups focusing on AI and education, digital rights, and the role of civic tech. Early partners include research centers in the Global South, youth innovation labs, and grassroots media platforms.
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