FDN - Get Involved

At the heart of our work are partners committed to advancing frontier data and technology in the humanitarian field. From UN agencies and leading universities to private sector innovators, these collaborations are bridging the gap between cutting-edge solutions and the children who need them most.

Back to Frontier Data Network

The Frontier Data Network is more than a UNICEF initiative. It’s a global community of practice where diverse expertise converges to create real impact for children. We especially thank the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) for its pioneering support. Whether you contribute talent, funding, or data access, your partnership directly advances our shared goal: using frontier data and technology for good.

COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES

We can’t do it alone; we should not do it alone. UNICEF can only progress effectively on AI and frontier data tech by collaborating with others: governments, philanthropies, academia, private sector partners, and the wider UN system. FDN believes in the need for an ecosystem of partnerships that can create opportunities to innovate and ensure impactful solutions globally.

We seek partners who share our commitment to leveraging frontier data technologies for children’s well-being. Here are several ways we currently work with academic, private sector, governments, and philanthropic institutions.

COLLABORATOR

Together, we bring cutting-edge research, specialized expertise, and humanitarian impact, creating pathways for innovation to benefit children.

Connect your research capabilities with real-world humanitarian challenges
Partner with UNICEF data scientists, technologists, and programme experts
Help address critical talent and expertise gaps in humanitarian contexts

In practice

Our partnership with MIT Sloan helps close critical talent gaps while delivering focused data science support to UNICEF projects. This collaboration exemplifies how academic expertise can translate theoretical advances into practical solutions that address humanitarian challenges.

SPONSOR

By investing in both innovative technologies and capacity building, you help create sustainable solutions that directly improve children’s lives while strengthening data ecosystems across multiple regions.

Transform the development and humanitarian sector through innovation and frontier data technologies
Help create sustainable solutions that influence the future of humanitarian response

In practice

The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID)’s pioneering support made it possible to establish our foundation, enabling capacity building and use case development that now benefits multiple regions and country offices.

DATA PARTNER

Your data sources can provide crucial insights that improve how we understand and respond to children’s needs. Together, we transform diverse and often underutilized data into actionable intelligence that guides humanitarian decision-making.

Apply your data to address challenges facing the most vulnerable children
Help create better insights for protecting and supporting children
Contribute to overcoming critical data gaps in vulnerable regions

In practice

The Development Data Partnership connects UNICEF with 30+ private sector technology partners, bridging novel data sources to humanitarian needs. This gives UNICEF country and regional offices access to critical data that enhances our understanding of complex situations, enabling better decision-making for children in vulnerable situations.

WHY JOIN US?

Beyond individual partnerships, joining the Frontier Data Network means becoming part of a global community of practice that’s reshaping how technology serves humanitarian goals:

Real-world impact: Your contributions help unlock the potential of frontier technologies to solve increasingly complex challenges for children
Cross-sector innovation: Work alongside diverse experts tackling humanitarian challenges in new ways
Global network: Connect with practitioners, researchers, and innovators across regions and disciplines

Ready to get involved? Contact us at [email protected]!

STAY CONNECTED!

Join our mailing list to receive updates on innovative use cases, partnership stories, and how frontier data technologies are transforming humanitarian work.