Almaty to host UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific digital solutions center

Kazakhstan plans to create an Asia-Pacific digital solutions center for the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Almaty, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the SCO Plus summit in Bishkek.

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Universal rules are needed to reveal the constructive potential of artificial intelligence, prevent its uncontrolled use and reduce the digital divide.

Tokayev linked the proposal to the growing role of artificial intelligence in global stability. He said decisions being made now would shape a new technological order and the future architecture of international relations.

The Kazakh president called for universal rules that would unlock artificial intelligence’s constructive potential, prevent uncontrolled use and narrow the digital divide. He said the Almaty center could help expand advanced practices, with developing countries as a primary focus.

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At Kazakhstan’s initiative, an Asia-Pacific center for digital solutions of the UN ESCAP will be created in Almaty. It can and should help scale advanced practices, primarily for developing countries.

Tokayev also said technological progress should benefit all humanity and rejected the idea of exclusive groups controlling its gains.

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Technological progress is meant to serve the good of all humanity, and there can be no so-called elite clubs here.