Your Excellency, Hokim Kholiqzoda, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan,
Maksut Igorevich Shadaev, Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation,
Mr. Khurshed Mirzo, Director of the Agency of Innovation and Digital Technologies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO),
Distinguished Ministers,
Participants and Invited guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
We meet at a defining moment. The digital future is not waiting to be shaped. It is already unfolding, and the choices we make now will determine who leads, who benefits and whether anyone is left behind. That is why the theme of the TAJ TECH International Forum 2026 —“Digital Future: Innovation, Trust and Sustainable Development”—could not be more timely or more consequential.
I commend the Agency of Innovation and Digital Technologies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan for convening governments, international organizations, industry leaders, investors, academia and startups not simply to discuss change, but to drive it—to forge the technologies, partnerships and practical solutions that will shape our shared digital future.
The stakes are high. The opportunity is immense. And our central task is clear: we must turn the extraordinary power of digital transformation into tangible progress for every country, every community and every person. That demands decisive action—now.
Digital technologies are reshaping economies, public services and societies at extraordinary speed. Artificial intelligence is unlocking new frontiers in innovation and productivity. Digital government is bringing services closer to people. New connectivity technologies are opening doors to education, healthcare and economic opportunity.
But progress is not yet shared by all. The digital divide remains real—and it remains urgent.
Across Central Asia, connectivity has advanced substantially over the past decade. Yet important gaps persist.
Fixed broadband infrastructure, cross-border connectivity, affordability, digital skills, cybersecurity preparedness and access to advanced technologies all demand sustained investment, focused policy and stronger cooperation.
That is precisely why the International Telecommunication Union is unwavering in its commitment to universal and meaningful connectivity.
Meaningful connectivity is more than a connection. It means giving individuals, communities, businesses and governments reliable, affordable and secure access—and the power to participate fully in the digital economy.
Yet infrastructure, on its own, will never be enough.
The lesson is clear: every investment in digital infrastructure must be matched by an investment in people.
The digital economy will be driven by expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software development and digital entrepreneurship. The countries that equip their people today will lead tomorrow.
That is why I welcome the strong focus in this Forum’s agenda on human capital, future-ready digital skills, university-industry cooperation and startup development.
Nowhere is this more urgent—or more promising—than in artificial intelligence.
AI can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals—strengthening public services, education, healthcare, agriculture and public administration. But opportunity must be matched by responsibility. Trust, governance, ethics, inclusion and capacity cannot be afterthoughts. As we advance AI, we must ensure that every country and every community can share its benefits. No one must be left behind.
That demands international cooperation—ambitious, practical and sustained.
The Forum’s themes—from AI and digital government to cybersecurity, fintech, innovation ecosystems and regional integration—underscore one essential truth: no stakeholder can deliver digital transformation alone. Governments, the private sector, international organizations, academia and entrepreneurs must act together to build digital societies that are resilient, inclusive and ready for the future.
The recent World Telecommunication Development Conference reaffirmed that shared resolve: to advance universal connectivity, digital inclusion, digital resilience, innovation, capacity development and the responsible use of emerging technologies. These priorities are at the heart of BDT’s work—and they align powerfully with Tajikistan’s digital transformation journey.
ITU stands ready to support Tajikistan and every country across Central Asia—with capacity development, digital skills programmes, digital government initiatives, cybersecurity cooperation, infrastructure development and strong multi-stakeholder partnerships.
That same commitment brings us together today and tomorrow at the ITU Regional Development Forum for the CIS Region here in Dushanbe: to put countries’ perspectives, priorities and challenges at the centre—and to turn shared ambition into an impactful path towards achieving their digital goals.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The digital future will not be decided by technology alone. It will be shaped by the choices we make, the partnerships we forge and the people we empower. The responsibility is ours—and so is the opportunity.
I am confident that, over the next two days, this Forum will do more than exchange ideas. It will forge new partnerships, unlock new opportunities and accelerate sustainable digital development in Tajikistan, across Central Asia and beyond.
Let us be bold in our vision, united in our purpose and determined in our action. I wish you productive discussions and every success at the TAJ TECH International Forum 2026.
Thank you very much.
