BANGKOK, April 25. /Dunyo IA/. For the first time in history, Uzbekistan has been elected as a member of the Governing Council of the Asia-Pacific ICT Center for Development (APCICT) for the period 2025–2028, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The elections took place during the 81st annual session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held from April 21 to 25, 2025, in Bangkok, gathering nearly 900 participants from 53 member and associate member states of ESCAP, as well as international organizations.

APCICT, located in Incheon (Republic of Korea), is one of the five regional institutes of ESCAP. Its main goal is to strengthen the capacity of member states in using information and communication technologies (ICT) for socio-economic development.

The Center actively engages in training, knowledge dissemination, and fostering dialogue and partnerships among stakeholders. Its flagship programs and online courses have gained international recognition, contributing to sustainable development not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also worldwide.

Uzbekistan’s election (through the Ministry of Digital Technologies) to the APCICT Governing Council is a significant step, confirming the growing role of the country in the digital transformation process in Central Asia. Along with Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Russia, and Thailand were also elected to the Committee.

Membership in the APCICT Governing Council opens up several strategic opportunities for Uzbekistan. These include influencing regional digital policies, as Uzbekistan will be able to participate in shaping digital development strategies in the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on Central Asia.

This also provides Uzbekistan with access to advanced educational resources and training, which will enhance digital literacy and capacity within the country. Additionally, membership will enable experience exchange and joint project implementation with other countries and international organizations, fostering the development of digital skills platforms for youth, supporting startups, accelerating the growth of Uzbekistan's digital economy, and strengthening its position in the global digital space.

Uzbekistan's election to the APCICT Governing Council is a crucial milestone in the implementation of the national digital strategy. It strengthens the country's position in the international digital agenda, contributes to the modernization of the economy, innovation development, and expansion of cooperation in the ICT sector. From 2025 to 2028, Uzbekistan plans to actively participate in the work of the Council, making a significant contribution to the regional development of digital technologies.