Page 18 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

SAMENA COUNCIL ADVOCACY SAMENA TRENDS

Digitalization in Central Asia

SAMENA Council Highlights Digital Inclusion & Transformation Imperatives
During the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference; Lauds Kazakhstan’s Digital
Advancements

SAMENA Council CEO, Bocar BA, made by 2025. “Kazakhstan’s commitment to Ba. He further pointed to Kazakhstan’s
thought contributions during the Asia- ensuring 100% population coverage and leadership in the CIS region and its proactive
Pacific Ministerial Conference on "Digital fostering a thriving digital ecosystem is adoption of AI, 5G, and satellite broadband
Inclusion and Transformation" held in commendable, and something SAMENA technologies, positioning the country as a
Astana, Kazakhstan. The event, which Council is observing very closely. This regional digital hub. “Kazakhstan’s push for
brought together prominent policymakers, includes the development of e-government next-generation technologies reflects its
industry leaders, and international services, digital literacy, and support for readiness to lead the region in innovation
experts, focused on exploring the current digital industries through innovation hubs and digital infrastructure development,” he
achievements and future impact of digital like the Astana Hub,” he added. added
technologies across the Asia-Pacific
region. In his intervention, Ba praised Driving Digital Inclusion and Economic SAMENA Council's Commitment to
Kazakhstan’s remarkable progress in Growth Universal Broadband
digital transformation, positioning the Mr. Ba emphasized the transformative During the ITU WSIS Side Event at the
country as a leader in the CIS region. power of digital inclusion in driving same conference, Bocar BA reiterated
“Kazakhstan’s digital journey, particularly economic growth and social development. SAMENA Council’s commitment to
through the 'Digital Kazakhstan' initiative, He discussed how Kazakhstan’s improved supporting universal broadband access,
sets a benchmark not only for the CIS but broadband access has accelerated stressing the importance of strategic
also for countries across the globe aiming progress in sectors such as healthcare, partnerships in achieving global digital
to harness technology for socio-economic education, and business. “From e-learning inclusion goals. He highlighted SAMENA
development,” Mr. Ba stated. Recognizing platforms to remote healthcare services, Council’s collaboration with the ITU and its
Kazakhstan’s impressive internet the digital transformation is touching active role in promoting innovative funding
penetration of 92.3% and its strides in 4G the lives of people across Kazakhstan. and financing models for broadband
and 5G connectivity, Ba acknowledged However, we must continue to focus on infrastructure, particularly through its
the government’s vision of achieving closing the digital divide, particularly for co-chairmanship of the UN Broadband
universal high-quality internet access rural and underserved communities,” said Commission's Working Group on 21st
Century Financing Models. “Achieving
“From e-learning platforms to remote healthcare digital inclusion requires collective effort.
services, digital transformation is touching the lives of The work we are doing at SAMENA Council
to broaden the financial base for broadband
people across Kazakhstan. However, we must continue development is vital for ensuring that the
to focus on closing the digital divide, particularly for benefits of digital transformation reach
in
underserved
especially
everyone,
rural and underserved communities,” regions,” Ba concluded.

18 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024