On May 31, 2012, NIA President, Seang-Tae Kim as a member of the Organizing Committee for the Foundation for a Digital UN, took part in the Launch of the Foundation for a Digital UN at the Social Innovation Summit at the United Nations.

The Foundation for a Digital UN strives to provide advice and resources that can be leveraged and mobilized to further the goals of the United Nations. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon believes in the power of information and communications technology (ICT) as a strategic enabler that can transform the United Nations into an effective, efficient and transparent global organization. The Foundation focuses on high priority areas that support the United Nations¡¯ goals and strengthen its various activities through use of ICT.

The Foundation for a Digital UN seeks to solve problems that may span many United Nations¡¯ program activities and harmonize the ability for them to function cooperatively and efficiently for the benefit of the world. Under the motto ¡°Perfect information to aid an imperfect world,¡± the Foundation will leverage technology to enhance communication, knowledge, and improve decision making on a global scale.

As mentioned, the Foundation was launched at the United Nations in conjunction with the Social Innovation Summit 2012. The Foundation is in the final stages of establishing its Board of Directors as well as various patronage levels. NIA President Kim¡¯s involvement with the organizing committee has been a welcome addition and also has benefited from active engagement of senior executives from Cisco, Intel, Microsoft, Landmark Ventures, the Resource Foundation, the Global Partnerships Forum and many more. Two initiatives that the Foundation will look to begin work include, Crisis Information Management and e-Diplomacy.