State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, during her visit to Bangladesh as the Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), made a presentation to Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden on how technology has created opportunities in various sectors including education, health and economy in moving from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh. He announced the creation of a world with ‘ZeroDigitalDivide’ to ensure equal access for every citizen to reap the benefits of the digital revolution.
The Minister of State said these things in a program titled ‘Innovate Together for Zero Digital Divide’ organized by Aspire-to-Innovate (A2I) organized by the Information and Communication Technology Department and UNDP on18 March 2024 at the Foreign Service Academy, Dhaka:
UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Crown Princess Victoria attended an event titled ‘Innovate Together for Zero Digital Divide’ and observed Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in digital transformation.
During the event, the Crown Princess witnessed Bangladesh’s exemplary journey in bridging the digital divide through innovative initiatives such as Digital Centres, the National Helpline 333, e-commerce platforms, and freelancer support programs. These initiatives are empowering citizens, particularly young people and entrepreneurs, across Bangladesh, paving the way for inclusive growth and socio-economic development.
Ulrika Modéer, UN Assistant Secretary-General at UNDP and Johan Forssell, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, were also present during the event along with other senior government officials, UN representatives, and the private sector. Through interactive sessions and exhibitions, participants discussed the transformative impact of Bangladesh’s digitalization efforts, emphasizing the opportunities created for individuals from diverse backgrounds. They also discussed Bangladesh’s remarkable progress and unwavering commitment to creating a ZeroDigitalDivide world.
During the visit to Bangladesh, the Crown Princess will conduct field visits to witness firsthand the positive impact of inclusive digital development on poverty reduction in rural areas. The Crown Princess will also explore initiatives led by women and young entrepreneurs aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change in vulnerable areas, implemented by the government and UNDP.