PVBLIC Foundation at the STI Forum 2025: Championing Digital Cooperation for Sustainable Development

Above: Participants of the STI Forum 2025 gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City

New York City, New York  - This week PVBLIC Foundation participated in the 10th annual Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum 2025), held on May 7–8, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters. PVBLIC was honored to support the forum, which featured vital dialogue on how science, technology, and innovation can accelerate progress toward global sustainable development.

This year’s theme, “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based science and technology solutions and innovations for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind,” addressed how science, technology and innovation can tackle global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and economic development. The forum brought together leaders from governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to discuss innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

A central topic at the forum was the Global Digital Compact, which seeks to define international principles for an inclusive and transparent digital future. The compact includes commitments to human rights, data privacy, digital accessibility, and the ethical use of technology. Its aim is to ensure that digital transformation contributes directly to achieving the SDGs and supports equitable access to technology.

Stephen Keppel, President of PVBLIC Foundation, participated in meetings and discussions that explored how science and technology can help accelerate progress toward the SDGs. He attended side events organized by United Nations Global Pulse which highlighted the important role that Private Sector Partnerships can play in solving global challenges and how the global development sector can better harness AI and prepare for the technologies that are coming next. 

“It was inspiring to spend the week alongside some of the world’s leading minds in science and innovation,” Stephen shared.

Another moment of pride for PVBLIC was that the global work of the SDG Data Alliance was highlighted on screen for participants as they entered the United Nations as an example of collaboration and innovation in action. 

The STI Forum 2025 reaffirmed that digital innovation is not just a tool—but a lifeline—for advancing sustainable development in an increasingly complex world. As global challenges mount, PVBLIC Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to champion inclusive digital solutions that reach the communities most often left behind. The conversations in New York made it clear: building a just and equitable digital future is not optional—it’s essential. And it begins with ensuring technology works for everyone, especially the world’s most vulnerable.