Public-private partnership (PPP) projects often face long lead times and high transaction costs. These factors have traditionally been bottlenecks for governments, especially in developing countries, delaying critical infrastructure projects and limiting their impact.
To address these challenges, UNECE has launched a new series of policy briefs on artificial intelligence (AI) and PPPs to explore the extent to which AI can help reduce these costs and speed up the preparation process, making PPPs more efficient and effective. More broadly, the series explores how AI can transform PPPs and infrastructure development to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while addressing the risks associated with their implementation.
Policy briefs, developed by leading experts under the auspices of the UNECE secretariat, are complemented by regular webinars or podcasts featuring a diverse range of experts from governments, the private sector, academia, civil society and international organizations.
The first Policy Review, published on 10 November 2025, lays the groundwork by highlighting the opportunities for improving efficiency, transparency and decision-making through artificial intelligence, while addressing critical challenges such as defining AI strategies, leveraging data and algorithms, addressing digital divides and building capacity and talent.
To mark the launch, UNECE will host the first webinar in the series on 20 November 2025 (14:00–15:00 CET). The webinar will discuss the findings of Policy Review No. 1 and present topics forfor future policy briefs covering key stages of the PPP project cycle. Each policy brief aims to provide policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders with the knowledge and insights needed to use AI responsibly and effectively.
The discussion will continue at the ninth session of the Working Group on Public-Private Partnerships (24-25 November 2025, Palais des Nations), where a panel discussion on “Harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence in public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects” will take place on 24 November 2025 at 16:30 CET.