Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has emphasized the need for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to integrate technology in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). She highlighted the importance of UNDP’s assistance in addressing the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation.
According to United News of Bangladesh, these topics were part of a broader discussion when Stefan Liller, the Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, met with the State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting also covered Bangladesh’s desire to rejuvenate the activities of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), urging UNDP to expand its young political delegates program within SAARC countries and to engage women entrepreneurs in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that discussions also included continued collaboration with UNDP concerning Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. As Liller approaches the end of his tenure, he affirmed UNDP’s commitment to maintaining a close working relationship with the incoming government of Bangladesh.
The State Minister expressed gratitude towards UNDP’s support, particularly in the technical aspects of Bangladesh’s general elections, which included assistance in registering 5.8 million new voters. She called for UNDP’s alignment with the government’s ‘Bangladesh First’ vision and expressed a desire to enhance cooperation in achieving socio-economic development goals.
Furthermore, the State Minister acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the UNDP and the government, which has contributed to advancements in governance, trade, commerce and investment, climate action and adaptation, and poverty alleviation in Bangladesh.