Bangladesh Calls for Human-Centric Digital Future at WSIS Summit
Bangladesh has urged that artificial intelligence, internet access, and digital rights be regarded as critical pillars for the future of humanity. This position was articulated by Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, Director General of the International Trade, Investment, and Technology Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a high-level discussion marking the 20th anniversary of the United Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
Dr. Mamun noted that two decades ago, when WSIS began, the world could hardly imagine the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) that we see today. In just one year, AI technologies have begun to profoundly influence human life and decision-making, compelling policymakers to rethink regulatory approaches.
He emphasized that for younger generations, especially Gen Z, internet access has become nearly a fundamental human right. As a result, digital transformation should be considered not merely as technological advancement, but as a question of rights-based and human-centered development.
Dr. Mamun further highlighted that in the next 24 to 36 months, major changes are expected in global technology governance. During this period, four UN initiatives—WSIS, Global Digital Compact (GDC), AI for Good, and Pact for the Future—are expected to converge, potentially providing an opportunity to establish common and fair digital standards for humanity.
He underlined that Bangladesh’s interventions during the discussions reflected not only national interest but also the broader interests of the Global South and humanity at large. According to him, the new era of technology requires fresh epistemologies, updated policy perspectives, and a vision for a digital future where technology serves as a driver of hope and shared progress.
The high-level meeting, held in Geneva from 7-11 December, reviewed the last two decades of digital development, strategies to reduce digital divides, and frameworks for future knowledge societies. Analysts noted that Bangladesh’s position drew particular attention.
Saiful Islam Siddiq, Senior Vice President of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), said Dr. Mamun’s remarks were not just a formal diplomatic statement but represented Bangladesh’s stance in digital diplomacy. For years, Bangladesh has pursued a “Digital Bangladesh” vision to integrate technology into governance, services, and the economy. Now, the country seeks to bring that experience to international policymaking tables.
Siddiq observed that the coming 24-36 months are seen as a critical policy window, during which WSIS Review, GDC, AI for Good, and Pact for the Future will intersect. Decisions made during this period will define ethical and policy limits for AI, the governance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods (DPG), and the voice of developing countries in technology governance. Bangladesh aims to leverage these intersections to advocate for a human-centric and inclusive digital framework, showcasing the country’s diplomatic maturity.
In a global landscape marked by tensions over AI, data governance, and internet regulation, developing countries have raised concerns that technology control should not remain concentrated in the hands of wealthy nations or large corporations. By framing internet access as almost a fundamental human right, Dr. Mamun highlighted long-standing concerns of the Global South.
A key point of Dr. Mamun’s remarks was the need for new epistemologies and explanatory frameworks to understand technology. In simple terms, he stressed that old development, security, or market-based frameworks are insufficient to govern AI and emerging technologies. Bangladesh thus views technology not only as a tool for economic growth but also as an issue intertwined with society, rights, and human dignity.
DBTech/IH/OR
