ESCAP resolution 79/10 decided to convene a ministerial conference on digital inclusion and transformation in 2024 to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and regional technology initiatives, including the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway initiative. The resolution also noted with appreciation the initiative of the Government of Kazakhstan on establishing a digital solutions centre for sustainable development to provide practical digital solutions in Central Asia and beyond through the APIS Action Plan (Action 12).
The resolution welcomed the offer of the Government of Kazakhstan to host such a ministerial conference in 2024 and requested the ESCAP secretariat to support the holding of the ministerial conference on digital inclusion and transformation in 2024. This would serve as the follow-up to the First Asia-Pacific Digital Ministerial Conference which was held in Seoul in November 2022. In addition, member States, through Resolution 79/10 requested ESCAP to foster digital cooperation among members and associate members to bridge the digital divide, ensure the provision of digital skills training, strengthen digital connectivity, address and enhance digital trust and security, share good policies, practices and lessons learned, and promote inclusive digital economies and societies.
In response to these requests in Resolution 79/10, the activities under this project have been designed to provide support to the successful organization of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation in Astana 2024 and facilitate the Government of Kazakhstan’s initiative on establishing a Digital Solutions Center, including the provision of research and capacity building programmes. The project aims to ultimately strengthen the capacity of member States on digital transformation and foster digital cooperation among member States and regional stakeholders.
