UNDP Bangladesh hosts session on digital innovation for social cohesion

Md Mojahidul Islam :

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh successfully organized a groundbreaking knowledge-sharing session titled “Harnessing Digital Innovation for Social Cohesion and Inclusivity”at Westin of Dhaka recently. The session explored the transformative potential of ethical and inclusive digital tools to promote social cohesion, diversity, and peace.
The day-long event brought together academicians, students, designers, artists, industry leaders, policymakers, and technology corporates practitioners to discuss how responsible digital innovation can reflect Bangladesh’s cultural diversity while addressing pressing societal challenges. The program highlighted critical issues surrounding the ethical use of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, and its implications for information integrity, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity. Experts and participants delved into the challenges posed by AI, including biases in algorithms and the impact of misinformation, while emphasizing the importance of responsible design and implementation.
Md. Yousup Faruqu, Managing Director of Microsoft Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, stated, “AI is moving faster than we can keep up. It’s shaping what we see, believe, and share, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize. Misinformation, deepfakes, biased algorithms- it’s all happening right now.
The question is are we ready to take control, or will we just let the systems decide for us? We will find the answer as well as the real context”.
One of the program’s key features was an interactive training session led by Microsoft Bangladesh, which focused on AI ethics and fostering inclusivity in technological applications. Additionally, the event showcased advancements in Bangla Natural Language Processing and explored how generative AI tools can be designed to better represent Bangladesh’s rich and pluralistic culture. Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist at UNDP Bangladesh, said, “The bad impact of Disinformation via social media is immense. Once there were only Photoshop or Video editors, now the AI is doing a devasting job of defaming a girl or a woman”.
We see a lot of cases on ‘Technology Facilitated Gender-based Violence’, she further added. An exhibition of practical digital innovations further enriched the experience. It featured tools addressing cyberbullying, cybersecurity, and internet rights, demonstrating the tangible impact of responsible technology on social well-being.
The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration across academia, industry, and creative communities to develop solutions that align with Bangladesh’s values and aspirations. Participants left with a deeper understanding of how digital tools can be harnessed to promote diversity, strengthen social cohesion, and ensure the ethical use of technology in the country.

This initiative reaffirms UNDP Bangladesh’s commitment to leveraging technology as a force for good-fostering diversity, strengthening social harmony, and empowering communities through responsible innovation.
Sadeque, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at BRAC University, Dr. Zulkarin Jahangir, Assistant Professor at North South University, Faisal Bin Majid, Project Manager, UNDP Bangladesh, Farzana Afrin Tisha, Azure Lead at Microsoft Bangladesh; Shoeb Abdullah, Founder, Activate Rights; graced the event with their presence.