Bangladesh has urged stronger international cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building to bridge the global digital divide and improve data systems at a United Nations forum on population and development.
Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, made the call while delivering his statement at the 59th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD59) at the UN Headquarters in New York, according to press release.
He stressed the need to promote the ethical use of emerging technologies, supported by strong data privacy safeguards. He also called for increased investment in digital skills, particularly for women and young people.
The envoy highlighted the role of technology and research in achieving the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that nearly one-third of the global population still lacks internet access, which limits access to essential services.
He also outlined Bangladesh’s progress in reducing maternal mortality, expanding immunisation coverage, strengthening community-based healthcare, promoting women’s empowerment and improving collaboration with research institutions.
Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury further said Bangladesh is increasingly using digital health solutions, including telemedicine and real-time disease surveillance, to improve healthcare delivery.
He stressed investment in youth, skills development and innovation. He also identified rapid urbanisation, climate change and non-communicable diseases as major challenges to sustainable development.
