The 2026 United Nations Public Service Forum closed in Tbilisi on 25 June after three days of debate on how governments can responsibly deploy artificial intelligence and digital technology to serve citizens. Hosted by the Georgian government in partnership with UN DESA’s Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government, the forum drew representatives from 62 countries under the theme “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Accountability, Participation, and Inclusion.”
Georgia as Host
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze opened the proceedings alongside UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua, framing Georgia’s hosting role as evidence of the country’s progress in administrative reform. Minister of Justice Paata Salia closed the event, noting that sharing ideas across 62 delegations would “contribute to the sustainable development of public services.”
AI and Digital Governance on the Agenda
Participants spent three days working through themes that included the responsible use of artificial intelligence, data protection, anti-corruption policy, citizen engagement, and universal access to public services.
Competition entries submitted for the UN Public Service Awards illustrated how these themes play out in practice: more than 700 projects from 62 countries were evaluated across four categories, with 12 receiving awards at a closing ceremony on 25 June. Among the winners was Saudi Arabia’s Data and AI Authority, recognised for its National Data Bank and Estishraf platform — a system that uses AI to help citizens query government data and receive structured guidance.
Why It Matters for Georgia
Being chosen to host a flagship UN event on public sector innovation signals international confidence in Georgia’s reform track record at a pivotal moment. Domestically, the country is scaling its AI ambitions: the 2026 state budget dedicates USD 18.4 million for AI research through 2029, including a planned national AI research and competence centre. Georgia has also signalled alignment with European AI governance norms through accession to the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence.
The forum gives Georgian policymakers direct peer access to governance models from across the world — practical exposure that can inform both AI regulation and the design of AI-enabled public services as the country’s own strategy takes shape.