Bangladesh calls for UN policy on AI and technology transfer to close a digital divide

Speaking in New York, Tarik Rahman warned against a widening digital divide and urged international cooperation to ensure technology advances benefit developing countries as well as wealthy states.

"We do not want today's digital divide to become tomorrow's artificial intelligence divide," Rahman said, and he called for the United Nations to adopt an "effective policy framework so that the benefits of the development and rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and social media can be harnessed positively across countries." He also emphasized the need for technology transfer, skills development and affordable access to modern technologies for developing countries.

Rahman framed this appeal as part of Bangladesh's broader push for inclusive development and noted the country's young population and growing digital capabilities as assets that should be nurtured through international cooperation.