Bangladesh led a crucial session during the 82nd United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) gathering in Bangkok on April 21. Attended by regional leaders, the session aimed to address inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.
The morning session was overseen by Faqir Mahbub Anam, the Minister for Science and Technology and Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT Division. With participation from delegations of 53 member states, the 3-hour meeting featured a roundtable discussion guided by Lin Yang, ESCAP’s Deputy Executive Secretary. The discussions centered on enhancing development strategies that prioritize inclusivity and sustainability.
Alongside the main event, the Bangladeshi delegation engaged in bilateral discussions with representatives from Kazakhstan, led by Rostislav Konyashkin. The talks revolved around collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, e-governance, and innovation. Both parties expressed their backing for ESCAP-led proposals such as establishing a digital solutions center for sustainable development and promoting a regional shift towards a bioeconomy.
Furthermore, the minister participated in a high-level side event on advancing trusted AI in the region, jointly organized by Kazakhstan and ESCAP. The 82nd UN ESCAP session, themed “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific,” is scheduled from April 20 to 24.
