The UNJSPF and UNICEF are excited to announce the launch of the UN Digital ID app for United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) retiring staff. Based on the successful experience and technology used for the UNJSPF digital identity solution, the Digital Certificate of Entitlement, the UN Digital ID is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing data quality and accountability. By streamlining data exchange across systems and organizations, it enhances transparency and efficiency, ultimately improving the client experience throughout the separation process.

This launch, part of the broader UN Digital ID program, represents a significant step forward in digital transformation within the United Nations system. The first version of the UN Digital ID was successfully launched in June 2024, with the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNJSPF focusing on the first use case related to pension processing. After United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF is now the fourth UN agency rolling out the pension use case to its staff.

The UN Digital ID is a universal, easy-to-use system-wide identity for all United Nations staff, from onboarding to retirement. This unique identification system aims to reduce data fragmentation and duplication, thereby simplifying and streamlining processes and transactions across all business functions between staff and organizations, as well as between UN organizations themselves.

Rosemarie McClean, Chief Executive of Pension Administration, commented: “The UNJSPF is proud to be at the forefront of this digital transformation, and work with UNICC towards a more connected and efficient United Nations. We look forward to the continued expansion and success of the UN Digital ID program, ultimately benefiting all UN staff and organizations.”

Ahead of the launch, UNICEF's Deputy Executive Director for Management, Ms. Hannan Sulieman, reflected on the significance of this milestone, proud to count UNICEF among the first participating agencies: “Joining the app marks a significant milestone in our journey toward innovative, digital-first solutions that modernize the way we work. Digitalization is a key strategic lever of internal efficiency to maximize the impact of our resources. UNICEF is committed to strengthening its collaboration across the UN to improve efficiencies and ultimately achieve higher results for children.”

Following this successful launch, the UN Digital ID program aims to scale to even more organizations and use cases across the UN system, including the UN Secretariat. Future expansions will include additional functionalities such as verification of mandatory training and facilitation of inter-agency staff movements.

For more information about the UN Digital ID and its features, please visit the UN Digital ID project page.