On 14 July 2023, on the occasion of the High Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development, the Government of Bangladesh is organizing a side event on “Renewed Partnership in South-South and Triangular Cooperation: Leveraging Innovation and Cutting-Edge Technology“.
Objective
The High-level Side Event, organized by the Bangladesh Government, seeks to identify how South South Cooperation can be leveraged to dramatically reduce digital divide through e-Quality Center for Inclusive Innovation. Through panel discussion and interactive dialogues, distinguished speakers and participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, lessons learned, and effective strategies in leveraging innovation and technology for sustainable development. The side event will also focus on exploring the opportunities and challenges in strengthening SouthSouth and triangular cooperation in the context of reducing digital divide.
Participants
The High-Level Side Event aims to engage a diverse range of participants who can contribute to the discussions and collaborations on South-South and triangular cooperation. This event will draw participation of representatives from United Nations member states attending the HLPF, Government officials and delegates from various countries, development agencies, representatives from international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector: The diverse composition of the target audience ensures a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue among stakeholders, promoting knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the formation of partnerships among different sectors and actors involved in this cooperation.
Expected Outcomes
- Leveraging South South Cooperation as a medium to reduce existing digital divide in global southern countries.
- Enhancing understanding of the impact of South-South and triangular cooperation in tackling global challenges by harnessing frontier technology, research and development, and innovation.
- Recognition of effective approaches, achievements, and valuable insights in utilizing advanced science and future-oriented technologies for sustainable development.
- Exploration of possibilities for collaborative research, joint initiatives, and partnerships in common areas of interest.
Tentative Agenda
Moderator: Mr. Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
1. Welcome remarks
- H.E. Ambassador Mr. Mohan Pieris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
- Mr. Haoliang Xu, Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Director of Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), UNDP
2. Keynote Presentation
- Mr. Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor, a2i Programme, Government of Bangladesh and UNDP Bangladesh
3. Panel Discussion
- Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)
- Mr. Anil Kayalar, First Counselor and Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Türkyie to the United Nations
- Mr. Camilo Tellez-Merchan, Deputy Managing Director, Better than Cash Alliance, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
- Ms. Vyjayanti T Desai, Practice Manager, ID4D and G2Px, The World Bank Group
- Dr. Selim Jahan, Former Director, Human Development Report Office, UNDP; Lead Author, Global Human Development Report
4. Open Discussion
5. Closing Remarks
- Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
- Mr. Md Shamsul Arefin, Secretary, Information and Communication Technology Division, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh