SS Report
Dhaka, 24 September 2025:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a two-day policy dialogue titled “AI in the Development Landscape: Harnessing Innovation and Impact” in Dhaka on 22–23 September, highlighting the role of youth in shaping responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in Bangladesh.
The event brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, development partners, civil society, and youth innovators to explore how AI can drive human development while promoting equity, inclusion, and accountability.
Building on UNDP’s Digital Khichuri Challenge (DKC) under the Partnerships for a More Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh (PTIB) project, young changemakers showcased digital solutions addressing trust, resilience, and social cohesion. Their ideas directly fed into policy discussions.
“AI is embedded in our systems, but human intelligence is what ultimately matters,” said Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary, ICT Division, stressing ethics, interoperability, and data security.
Md Kamrul Hassan, Joint Secretary, Cabinet Division, emphasized AI’s potential in making governance more transparent, while Md. Abdur Rofiq, Project Director of a2i, called for AI solutions rooted in Bangladesh’s local realities.
UNESCO’s Dr. Susan Vize urged for more Bangla-language AI tools and stronger personal data protections to ensure inclusion. UNDP’s Sonali Dayaratne highlighted the FutureNation upskilling platform as a way to prepare youth for an AI-driven future.
The event also saw the launch of the Human Development Report 2025, which echoed the need for AI that enhances human agency and inclusivity.
In closing, participants reaffirmed their commitment to responsible, ethical, and inclusive AI adoption in Bangladesh—placing youth at the heart of the country’s digital future.
