ITU Regional Development Forum for CIS Region has begun in Astana
The ITU Regional Development Forum for the CIS Region has commenced its work in Astana. The event was attended by Bagdat Mussin, the Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, the Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Michaela Friberg-Storey, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, Alexey Borodin, the Director General of the Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications (RCC), representatives of ITU Member States, and others.
Bagdat Mussin, the Minister of Digital Development, noted that the Forum would become one of the productive platforms for generating successful cases, promoting "digital diplomacy," exchanging experiences, discussing new technologies, and developing joint strategies for the digital economy.
"We are working towards positioning our country as a regional digital hub. For this purpose, we have numerous projects. We are always open and ready to support effective and practical proposals that create favorable and quality living conditions for the people of our countries at all stages of implementing such projects. Together, we can overcome challenges and realize the potential of digital technologies in our countries," noted Bagdat Mussin.
In turn, Dr Zavazava, the Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, emphasized the importance of this event and Kazakhstan's achievements in digitalization.
"I take this opportunity to congratulate Kazakhstan for being one of the world's trailblazers in all aspects of digitalization. Thank you for your partnership, for sharing your experiences, and for your leadership role in the region on digital issues.” He continued by saying: “Our objective is clear: we must make an impact, and we are committed to ensuring that no one is left offline, in the CIS region and in the world.”
Regional Development Forum contribute to strengthening multilateral partnerships between Member States, industry enterprises, academic organizations, civil society, the UN system, as well as regional and international development institutions and organizations in the field of telecommunications and ICT on specific regional development issues.
The ITU Regional Development Forum for the CIS Region provides an opportunity for Member States of the ITU, Sector Members, partners, and other stakeholders to exchange views.
The main goal is to translate promises into concrete commitments that will lead to the implementation of effective projects in line with the priorities outlined in the Kigali Action Plan, including regional initiatives.
Also, within the framework of the Forum, there will be panel sessions, discussions, and roundtable discussions on topics such as achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through digital technologies, the development of smart cities, cybersecurity, and personal data protection. The Forum will take place over two days: March 26-27, 2024, in Astana.
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