No one can be left behind for building an innovative eco-system to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For this, the marginalized populations of Asia and the Pacific Ocean should be connected on an open, secure and humane digital platform. For this, the speakers emphasized the use of AI and digital inclusion in every field of education, health, agriculture, industry, business as well as ensuring digital connectivity for everyone. Experts have suggested focusing on developing digital skills to establish linkages between digital service users and service providers.
The matter of achieving inclusive digital equality was highlighted in the 80th conference of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP); the session today was chaired by Bangladesh’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
Nepal’s 30-30 Network Representative on Gender Equality and Empowerment, Sanjana Chandiao moderated the meeting titled “Encouraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific” under Agenda-2(A) in the main program of the conference held at Escape Plenary Hall of the UN building in the country.
The meeting discussed the determination of a new strategy after the implementation of the United Nations Agenda 2020 for the Asia Pacific region through digital inclusion and innovation. The speakers emphasized on how to develop digital skills for all in the ongoing digital age and how to ensure equal and meaningful digital access for all in the digital world by building ambitious digital equality.
Korea’s NIA Vice President Moon Seung Ji, China’s Center for International Development Vice President Ms. Jin Zhang, Russia’s Digital Policy Researcher Zori To Comboin, India’s Accessibility Digital Technology Expert Prashant Ranjan Verma, Thailand’s Siam Commercial Bank First Executive Vice President PT Pon Bona Part and others spoke at the session.