Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam has underscored trust, capacity building, and international cooperation in the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across the public sector.
Speaking on behalf of 12 participating countries at opening session of a two-day inter-regional conference in Istanbul on Tuesday, the minister affirmed that the government’s commitment is to ensure the current digital divide does not transform into a future AI divide.
The conference titled “AI Governance in Practice: Practical Use Cases, Institutional Capacity, Innovation at Scale and Global Cooperation,” is jointly organised by the Government of the Republic of Korea, Astana Civil Service Hub, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Republic of Türkiye.
Highlighting the immediate impact of modern technology, Anam said AI is no longer merely a technology of the future, as it is already driving widespread transformations in government decision-making, public service delivery, and development processes.
“The main question is not just how fast we adopt AI, but how wisely, responsibly, and inclusively we manage and govern it,” he observed.
Outlining three foundational principles for AI governance, the minister stressed the necessity of trust, capacity, and international cooperation.
First, regarding trust and confidence, he said the application of AI in governance must be responsible, transparent, accountable, and human-centric.
Second, on capacity building, he emphasised that alongside technological advances, skilled human resources, effective institutional capacity, appropriate data governance, and timely legal frameworks are essential.
Third, on international cooperation, he pointed out that no single country possesses all solutions, and that mutual cooperation through the exchange of knowledge and experience is vital to securing sustainable transformation.
Citing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s address to the United Nations General Assembly, the minister stressed that AI must not create new inequalities, but should instead serve as a supportive force in eliminating existing disparities.
In this regard, he called for technology transfer, skill development, and guaranteed access to modern technologies at affordable prices.
Expressing optimism for the event, the minister voiced hope that the conference would establish a platform for innovation, trust, and inclusive technology where no nation is left behind, while reaffirming Bangladesh’s firm commitment and support for the initiative.
The conference brings together ministers, senior officials, and representatives from the UNDP and international development partner organisations across the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Asia-Pacific regions.
