Minister stresses trust, capacity-building in public-sector AI use
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has stressed the importance of trust, capacity building and international cooperation in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector.
“The commitment is that the existing digital divide does not turn into an AI divide in the future,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while speaking on behalf of the 12 participating countries at the inaugural session of the two-day interregional conference titled “AI Governance in Practice: Practical Use Cases, Institutional Capacity, Innovation at Scale and Global Cooperation”, which began in Istanbul today, said a ministry press release.
The conference is being jointly organised by the Government of the Republic of Korea, Astana Civil Service Hub, UNDP and the Republic of Türkiye.
Faqir Mahbub Anam said AI is no longer merely a technology of the future, as it is already bringing significant changes to government decision-making, citizen services and development processes.
“The key question is not only how quickly we will adopt AI, but more importantly how wisely, responsibly and inclusively we will govern and regulate it,” he said.
For good AI governance, the minister highlighted three fundamental principles: trust and confidence, capacity building and international cooperation.
He said the use of AI in government must be responsible, transparent, accountable and human-centred.
Alongside technology, skilled human resources, effective institutional capacity, appropriate data governance and timely legal frameworks are also needed, he pointed out.
Mentioning that no single country has all the solutions, the minister said mutual cooperation through the exchange of experiences and knowledge can ensure sustainable transformation.
Quoting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Faqir Mahbub said AI should not create new inequalities but should work as a force to help eliminate existing inequalities.
He called for ensuring technology transfer, skills development and access to modern technologies at affordable prices.
The minister expressed hope that the conference would create a platform for innovation, trust and inclusive technology where no country would be left behind.
He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment and support for the initiative.
Ministers and senior officials from various countries in the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, along with representatives of UNDP and international development partner organisations, are attending the conference.
