By Office of International and Public Affairs
Jeju, Republic of Korea – 26 September 2024
The Asian Institute of Technology took part in the Eighth Session of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (APIS) Steering Committee, a crucial gathering of regional stakeholders focused on advancing digital connectivity and transformation across the Asia-Pacific.
Organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) on 25-26 September 2024 at the MG Jeju Training Institute on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, the meeting served as a platform to review progress and devise strategies for strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure.
The APIS initiative, endorsed through an ESCAP resolution in 2023, aims to foster digital cooperation and inclusion in the region. Mr. Shawn Kelly, Executive Director of International and Public Affairs, joined a distinguished group of participants, including representatives from member states of ESCAP, UN agencies and international organizations. Delegates reviewed the APIS Action Plan 2022-2026, which seeks to address the growing importance of digital connectivity.
On the invitation of the ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division, UN ESCAP, Mr. Kelly presented “AIT as a Higher Education Stakeholder Destinations Along the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway.” He outlined how AIT academicians, researchers and centers of excellence can support the regional initiative, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, ICT applications, geoinformatics and digitization for smart environmental resources and biodiversity management, agriculture, and disaster resilience.
The 8th Steering Committee focused on reviewing the progress made in 2023-2024 and discussing strategies for 2024-2025 under the APIS Action Plan. Specifically, the meeting evaluated the activities and achievements of its three Working Groups focussed on promoting infrastructure connectivity, enhancing digital innovation, and fostering digital inclusion across the region. Delegates also reviewed the work plan for 2024-2025, ensuring that the initiatives continue to align with the evolving digital landscape in the region.
One of the primary goals of the APIS initiative is to address these disparities by promoting robust digital connectivity across the region, enabling equitable access to the internet and digital services for all. In light of the key decisions from the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation held earlier on 3-5 September in Astana, Kazakhstan, delegates explored regional cooperation opportunities as well as global digital trends. The integration of digital technologies into financial services was identified as a crucial tool for reducing inequalities, particularly in underserved communities across Asia and the Pacific.
“AIT’s invitation to the APIS is the culmination of our efforts to contribute as a higher education stakeholder in cooperation with the United Nations. As the region continues to navigate the complexities of the digital era, international partnership is a key pillar for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. AIT has a unique positioning for multilateral and cross-sectoral collaboration for capacity building in digital transformation to address critical sustainable development challenges in Asia and the Pacific,” Mr. Kelly said.
UN ESCAP officials noted that the 8th Steering Committee marked an important milestone in regional digital cooperation. By fostering stronger partnerships between member states, regional organizations, private sector stakeholders and higher education and research institutions, the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway aims to accelerate digital transformation in a manner that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the region.
