Page 8 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Executive summary

The metaverse and virtual worlds present transformative opportunities for advancing the
United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [b-SDG]. These digital ecosystems,
combining augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and blockchain technology, create
immersive environments where users can interact, learn and collaborate globally. By leveraging
the metaverse, we can drive significant progress in areas such as quality education, health care
and economic growth. Virtual worlds offer innovative platforms for delivering education and
training, improving access to healthcare through telemedicine, and fostering inclusive economic
participation.

This executive briefing provides an in-depth look at the enabling power of these digital spaces
in advancing the SDGs, particularly focusing on the transformative impact of the metaverse,
which has been defined by ITU Focus Group on metaverse as “an integrative ecosystem of virtual
worlds offering immersive experiences to users, that modify pre-existing and create new value
from economic, environmental, social and cultural perspectives”.

Virtual worlds have evolved from gaming and the Internet into shared environments where
users, represented by avatars, interact in real time. They offer opportunities for social and cultural
inclusion, environmental protection, and economic development. However, the expansion of
virtual worlds comes with challenges. Universal access remains a hurdle, with the digital divide
posing a significant barrier. Responsible technology governance, privacy and security concerns,
ethical considerations, and the potential impact on mental health are issues that need to be
addressed to ensure the benefits of virtual worlds are fully realized.
In the context of the SDGs, virtual worlds can have a profound impact across various goals. They
can offer innovative solutions to combat poverty, enhance food security, revolutionize health
care, transform education, promote gender equality, improve water and sanitation, provide
affordable and clean energy, support economic growth, foster innovation, reduce inequalities,
make cities smarter and more sustainable, encourage responsible consumption and production,
combat climate change, conserve life below water and on land, promote peace and justice,
and strengthen global partnerships.

For each of these goals, the report presents case studies that illustrate the potential of virtual
worlds to drive progress. These examples showcase the practical application and impact of
virtual worlds on sustainable development.

The report concludes that while there are challenges to leveraging virtual worlds for the SDGs,
the opportunities are vast. By promoting equitable access, sustainable practices, and balancing
innovation with responsibility, decision-makers can harness the potential of metaverse and
virtual worlds to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.

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