Nairobi to Host Historic Games and SDG Summit: 2026

The 2026 Games and SDG Summit marks a significant milestone as the event relocates from New York to Nairobi, Kenya, representing the first time this prestigious gathering is held on African soil. Hosted at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, the summit serves as an invitation-only forum for over 150 senior leaders from the global games industry, technology sector, philanthropy, and various United Nations agencies. The primary objective is to demonstrate the practical application of interactive media and emerging technologies in addressing critical global challenges, with a specific thematic emphasis on environmental sustainability and economic mobility.

The event structure integrates keynote addresses, workshops, and site visits to foster collaboration between international stakeholders and the African game development ecosystem. A dedicated segment of the summit provides a platform for African creators to engage directly with global industry leaders and potential funders, aiming to establish sustainable growth pathways for the continent’s gaming sector. Furthermore, the program includes an arcade showcase featuring projects that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the role of purposeful game design in driving real-world impact.

By partnering with organizations such as Games for Change, the Pan Africa Gaming Group, and Playing for the Planet, the summit seeks to bridge the gap between global policy mandates and local creative innovation. Collaborating institutions, including UN-Habitat, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme, underscore the intersection of humanitarian goals and digital entertainment. This convening is positioned as a pivotal moment for the African games industry, emphasizing the continent's growing influence in the global discourse on technology and social development.