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# OSI Participates in UNGA81 on Open Source AI and Digital Sovereignty
- URL: https://www.stirup.si/osi-participates-in-unga81-on-open-source-ai-and-digital-sovereignty-70391cb1/
- Published: 2026-10-13T08:59:18.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T08:59:18.000Z
- Description: At UNGA81, the Open Source Initiative (OSI) emphasized the importance of openness in AI development and digital sovereignty, highlighting the role of open source licensing in digital public goods.
- Author: Satish Das
- Tags: Open Source, News, Stirup Research

## OSI Participation in UNGA81 and Key Discussions

At the 81st UN General Assembly (UNGA81), the Open Source Initiative (OSI) participated in key discussions on Open Source AI and digital sovereignty. OSI Executive Director Duane O’Brien spoke on a UN panel, emphasizing the importance of openness in AI development. During a Creative Commons symposium, O’Brien highlighted that “Open by itself does very little but enables a lot,” a statement noted as the line of the day by Creative Commons.

The OSI focused on bridging the gap between the theoretical benefits of open source and practical implementation. In a moderated conversation titled “Applications, Strategies and Global Cooperation,” O’Brien discussed how open models handle data that cannot be released, explaining that the Open Source AI Definition requires developers to release available data and accurately describe data they cannot release. The discussion also referenced the G7 vision, which strengthened this language.

## Openness and Digital Sovereignty at Open @ UNGA81

At Open @ UNGA81, hosted by Creative Commons and the NYU Engelberg Center, discussions centered on the role of openness in advancing digital sovereignty. The event highlighted how open alternatives, such as Linux, have flourished through sustained investment over decades, as noted by a speaker at the conference. Meanwhile, the inaugural 50-in-5 Awards, coordinated by the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) and Co-Develop, celebrated progress in digital public infrastructure (DPI). Benin received the Impact Award for its national interoperability platform, which has registered nearly 13.75 million people, or about 99% of its population, and connects over 60 government entities. Indonesia was honored with the Collaboration Award for its QRIS Cross-Border payment system, which operates across seven countries and supports more than 45 million businesses, including many micro, small, and medium enterprises.

## Digital Public Goods and Open Source Licensing

At UNGA81, the Open Source Initiative (OSI) played a pivotal role in advancing the concept of digital public goods (DPGs). According to the DPG Standard, software qualifies as a digital public good only if it carries an OSI-approved license, ensuring that every DPG is built on licenses reviewed against the Open Source Definition. This alignment reinforces the importance of open source licensing in global digital infrastructure projects. As countries like Italy joined the campaign, the emphasis on open source as a foundational element of digital public infrastructure became clear. When nations build digital public infrastructure (DPI) with digital public goods, they are building on Open Source as the community has defined it. The next phase of work involves refining definitions, ensuring honest data description, and securing funding for those who maintain shared infrastructure—tasks that require sustained effort and collaboration.

## Sources and reporting notes

- [Open Source Initiative](https://opensource.org/blog/open-enables-a-lot-the-osi-at-unga81?ref=stirup.si)

Based on published source material. No independent hands-on testing is claimed.