Governments, tech experts gather to boost regional commitments towards digital inclusion and transformation
Policymakers and industry experts today underscored the critical need to bridge the vast digital divide in the region, further calling for breakthrough solutions, more harmonized policy frameworks and increased investments toward scalable innovations with sustainable development impacts.
Organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan, the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation aims to promote more inclusive digital economies and societies in the region, as well as foster digital cooperation to bridge the digital divide, strengthen digital connectivity, ensure robust digital skills training, and enhance digital trust and security.
“Digital by default has become our norm. It is restructuring our economies, bringing new opportunities for value creation, and reweaving the fabric of society to help tackle some of our most persistent sustainable development challenges. At the same time, digital transformation intersects with economic, environmental and social risks of unseen complexity and uncertainty,” said United Nations Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana in her opening remarks.
While 96 per cent of the population live in areas covered by mobile broadband networks, only one-third productively use Internet services. Up to 40 per cent of people lack access to the Internet, most of whom are from vulnerable and marginalized groups. This significant divide also runs along income, age, education, geographic and gender fault lines.
Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov shared, "Yesterday, in his Address, the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan should become a country where artificial intelligence is widely used and digital technologies are developed. These technologies open new horizons for business, education, and healthcare, ensure economic growth, and expand opportunities for millions of people. We are actively developing these areas.
Today, our country ranks among the top 30 most digitized nations in the world and holds 8th place in the provision of online services. More than 90% of all government services are accessible to the population via mobile devices. By the end of 2029, the country plans to build a full-fledged ecosystem that will ensure equal access to digital resources for both the population and businesses.
Digital inclusion is a crucial element, without which it is impossible to achieve the set goals. Only through cooperation, the exchange of knowledge, and best practices can we ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all. We are ready to share our experience and knowledge."
Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan was elected as the Chair of the Conference.
«Kazakhstan is striving for a sustainable digital future. Our country has been a full member of ESCAP for 30 years, and we continue to develop in the spirit of partnership, using the best international experience. We thank UNESCAP for the opportunity to host this important and large-scale event in our country. This year's ministerial conference is dedicated to digital inclusion and transformation at the global level. Our digital government is doing everything possible to ensure that every public service is available to all residents of the country — from villages to megacities. This significantly improves the quality of life of our citizens. For their convenience, we have integrated public services into popular digital platforms that they use in their daily lives», the chairman of the conference summed up Zhaslan Madiyev.
On the opening day, ESCAP also launched its Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Report 2024 which considers how digital transformations will structurally and irreversibly affect the trajectory of climate change. It presents 27 illustrative case studies demonstrating the power of digital applications for smarter climate actions – across infrastructure, governance, mobility, industry and trade, disaster risk reduction, agriculture and biodiversity ecosystems.
The report reveals that as the use of more advanced digital technologies is scaled up, there is a turning point beyond which carbon emissions tend to decline. Furthermore, the increased use of AI-driven geospatial data analytics is improving the accuracy and timeliness of early warning systems, so that the right information reaches the right people at the right time, thus contributing towards climate adaptation and mitigation measures in many countries.
Delegates from over 30 countries as well as representatives from the tech industry, start-ups, academia, international organizations, youth, business and civil society are participating in the two-day Conference and its associated events. The Conference is expected to culminate tomorrow with the adoption of the Astana Ministerial Declaration on Digital Inclusion and Transformation.
The conference participants will have the opportunity to explore a startup alley organized by the largest technology park in Central Asia - Astana Hub. Over 50 of the best Kazakhstan’s startups and major tech companies will be showcased.
On the sidelines of the Conference, the Government of Kazakhstan is also hosting the Kazakhstan Tech Solution Day on 5 September, which will highlight the country’s tech companies, start-ups and digital innovations, such as SmartBridge (service showcase), Smart Data Ukimet (smart data government), and eOtinish.