Geneva, 25 June 2025 – Giga, the ITU-UNICEF initiative supporting governments to connect every school to the Internet by 2030, officially inaugurated its Giga Connectivity Centre today in Geneva, Switzerland.
Located in Campus Biotech, the joint initiative’s new headquarters serve as a space for collaboration and innovation, bringing together governments, the private sector, international organizations and other stakeholders.
“Connectivity is opportunity - it’s about giving every child, everywhere, access to the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “With the support of our partners and the energy of International Geneva, the Giga Connectivity Centre can help achieve our vision of connecting every school in the world to the Internet.”
A new tech hub in Geneva
The new facility aims to leverage the vitality of Switzerland’s tech community while building on Geneva’s expertise in diplomacy and international development to ensure that no child is left behind in the digital age.
“Every child in every school should have access to the Internet and the information and opportunity it provides,” said Thomas Davin, Global Director, UNICEF Office of Innovation. “The Giga Connectivity Centre will serve as the global capital of school connectivity - a place where this ambition becomes a reality. I am inspired by the prospects of what this centre can achieve by equipping and enabling governments to meet such a critical need for this and coming generations.”
The centre is the focal point for Giga’s provision of support to countries in procurement and mobilization of finances for school connectivity.
The centre also hosts the Giga Learning Hub to deliver specialized training through the ITU Academy on school mapping, infrastructure modelling, innovative financing, procurement for connectivity and effective project management.
The Geneva centre is complemented by the Giga Technology Centre in Barcelona, Spain, a hub for the development of cutting-edge open-source solutions to get schools connected.
Looking ahead: the Giga Connectivity Forum
From 8 to 10 July, the Giga Connectivity Centre will host the Giga Connectivity Forum 2025, bringing together government officials, regulators, development organizations and high-level experts from 44 countries and territories to explore solutions to accelerate school connectivity.
The forum will present Giga’s progress and latest initiatives, discuss the challenges faced by governments and exchange practical lessons for advancing school connectivity.
Reporters in Geneva are invited to the new facility to attend the WSIS Ministerial Session on The Digital Imperative: The Critical Role of School Connectivity, followed by a short update on Giga’s achievements and future initiatives on 9 July from 09:00 to 10:15. Advance registration is required for all journalists. Please contact pressreg@itu.int to request a media badge.
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Editor’s notes:
- Pictures of the Giga Connectivity Centre official inauguration will be available here.
- More information about Giga is available here.
About Giga
Against the backdrop of rapidly evolving digital technologies, it is unimaginable that one third of humanity – or 2.6 billion people – still remain offline. This lack of connectivity extends to many schools, as a result of which the children have fewer opportunities to learn and realise their full potential. Closing this digital divide requires global collaboration, knowledge-sharing and innovation.
UNICEF and ITU joined forces and created Giga: a global initiative towards connecting every school in the world to the internet, and every young person to information, opportunity and choice. This is a massive challenge that requires innovation and cooperation among governments, international organizations, the telecom industry and technology providers. Powered by innovations in school mapping, infrastructure modelling, along with expertise in contracting, financing, policy and regulation, Giga offers governments a suite of tools and best practices to support national school connectivity programmes.
Giga is supported by the governments of Switzerland and Spain. Other major supporters include Ericsson, Dell, and IHS Towers. Learn more: https://giga.global/about-us/
About ITU:
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation for people and the planet with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, civil society, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, ITU coordinates the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establishes international technology standards, drives universal connectivity and digital services, and is helping to make sure everyone benefits from sustainable digital transformation, including the most remote communities. From artificial intelligence (AI) to quantum, from satellites and submarine cables to advanced mobile and wireless broadband networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world and beyond. Learn more: www.itu.int