Digital transformation is reshaping how public services are designed and delivered — and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can play a pivotal role in that shift.

Recognising the urgency of digital inclusion and resilience, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has published new guidelines that explore how PPPs can be leveraged to build meaningful, scalable digital solutions in healthcare, education, and elderly care.

From remote diagnostics to AI-enabled e-learning, this document offers governments, development partners, and private actors a practical roadmap to drive innovation while addressing equity, sustainability, and long-term public value

Why These Guidelines Matter

As digital infrastructure becomes central to public service delivery, governments face the challenge of scaling solutions that are inclusive, secure, and cost-effective. These guidelines respond to that challenge by offering:

• Strategic insights on structuring PPPs in digital public services
• Sector-specific focus on telemedicine, digital education, and long-term care
• Policy alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Global Digital Compact
• Emphasis on risk allocation, stakeholder engagement, and legal frameworks
• Case studies from Estonia, Italy, Rwanda, UK, and the USA

Key Takeaways

• Digital PPPs go beyond infrastructure — they enable smarter, more resilient public services.
• Inclusion and accessibility must be built in from the start: digital tools should serve everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
• Private sector innovation combined with public oversight can accelerate delivery and improve accountability.

Concept Realisation’s Contribution

CR’s Founder and Managing Director, Nasser Massoud, was among the core experts who contributed to the development of the guidelines. His extensive experience in PPP structuring — especially in healthcare and education — helped shape several key sections of the document.

Nasser’s involvement reflects Concept Realisation’s broader commitment to advancing impactful, rights-based public service delivery through meaningful partnerships.

About the Publication

Title: UNECE Guidelines on Public-Private Partnerships in Digital Infrastructure: Diagnostics in Healthcare (Telemedicine) and Other Digital Public Services

Status: Officially endorsed by the UNECE Working Party on PPPs

The full guidelines are available for download here.