DHAKA, July 16, 2023 (BSS) – A high level event at the United Nations headquarters in New York has emphasised  renewing partnership in South-South and Triangular Cooperation to bridge the digital divide.

The Foreign Ministry and a2i jointly  organised the event titled ‘Renewed Partnership in South-South and Triangular Cooperation: leveraging Innovation and Cutting-edge Technology’ on Saturday aimed at addressing the digital divide and explore ways to bridge the gap through inclusive and innovative solutions, said a press release here today.

The event highlighted the challenges faced by developing nations, particularly in the global south, in accessing the benefits of technological development and emphasized the South-South cooperation tailored solutions to address these needs and facilitate digital transformation, which is crucial for sustainable development.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen delivered inaugural speech while Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Muhammad Abdul Muhith delivered welcome address.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations and President of the 21st Session of the UN High-Level Committee on South-South Cooperation Mohan Pieris, Interior and Local Government Minister of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of the Philippines Naguib Sinarimbo and Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Haoliang Xu spoke at the function.

Policy Advisor of Aspire to Innovate-a2i Anir Chowdhury presented the key-note on 'e-Quality for Inclusive Innovation' at the function.

Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Md Shamsul Arefin delivered the closing remarks at the function.

Anir, in his paper, highlighted some examples of the initiatives taken to reduce the gap of the digital divide and highlighted the implementation of the e-Quality Center for Inclusive Innovation to address it.

Explaining the importance of global cooperation and partnership, Masood Bin Momen said, "With the digital revolution, the digital divide in today's world is acting as a catalyst for creating inequality in society. However, if it is managed properly, digital development will play a strong role in the overall economic and social sphere, ensuring e-quality”.

He hoped that the e-Quality Center for Inclusive Innovation will play a vital role in bringing the digital divide to zero level.

At the event, Mohan Pieris highlighted the importance of bringing the digitally backward population under inclusive policies.

Director of South-South Cooperation of the United Nations Office Dima-Al-Khatib said the United Nations is committed to providing overall guidance and support in the implementation of the proposed initiatives to build a non-discriminatory digital state and meet the SDG targets.

Representatives from United Nations member states, government officials, delegates from various countries, development agencies, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector participated in the event.