I had the great privilege of participating in the 17th SDG Café, titled "Innovating with Purpose: Unlocking AI for Agenda 2030 Success," organised by United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh at the UNOPS office, Gulshan in Dhaka on 29th September 2025.
Discussion addressed a crucial challenge: how can we effectively translate the vast potential of AI into practical solutions that enhance climate resilience, agriculture, and healthcare in Bangladesh?
Key takeaways from our esteemed speakers highlighted constructive strategies for progress:
Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, PhD, PGD (Oxon), Chief Innovation Officer & Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the importance of bridging the divide between AI theory and its real-world applications.
Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun actively engages with the field of artificial intelligence, with a focus on identifying challenges and collaborating with future generations to develop effective solutions. He thoughtfully assesses how AI will transform our lives—shaping our jobs, aspirations, and ethical frameworks—and underscores the positive potential of digital information.
Dr. Mamun is committed to advocating for proactive measures, highlighting the essential role of leveraging our current resources to thoughtfully address AI-related concerns. With a PhD in regional economic integration, he brings a wealth of knowledge as a trained financial analyst and career diplomat. His advanced studies at the University of Oxford in strategy and innovation further enrich his perspective on navigating the future of technology.
Mr. Sudhir Muralidharan, UNOPS Country Manager for Bangladesh, reinforced our shared commitment to fostering sustainable and impactful innovation.
Mr Charles Callanan, UNOPS Director for South Asia, encouraged collaboration among the government, the private sector, and development partners. He called for a shift from discussion to action, inspiring the creation of pilot projects that yield tangible benefits for communities.
The SDG Café emerged as an invaluable platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration, uniting diverse ideas and expertise. Together, pursue a shared vision for accelerating AI-driven progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Ms. Shirin Sultana Shirin Sultana, Partnerships Advisor of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) - Bangladesh, as well as to Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, PhD, PGD (Oxon), Chief Innovation Officer & Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the opportunity to engage in the 17th SDG Café.
The event was not only inspiring but also demonstrated how AI can be harnessed effectively to advance our Sustainable Development Goals. I am grateful for the insights gained and look forward to exploring further collaboration to maximise the impact of AI in this critical area. Thank you for this invaluable experience!
AHM. Bazlur Rahman | Specialist in Advancing Digital Democracy
MSS in Government & Politics, Bachelor of Laws (LL. B)
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
& Ambassador for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) for Bangladesh
Policy Research Fellow, Shaping the Future of Media, Information Integrity & Society in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
House: 9/4 Road: 2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207| Bangladesh|
Phone: +8801711881647 | +88 02 48116262 | +88 02 48119374
E-Mail: [email protected] | [email protected] | https://www.bnnrc.net
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