Ethical, Human-Centric, and Inclusive Digital Development: Integrating Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma, and Qiyas Principles in ICT Governance
Internal Resources Division, Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh
Session 316
This session explores a unique and innovative governance framework that integrates ethical, human-centric, and inclusive principles of digital transformation with foundational Islamic jurisprudence values—Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma, and Qiyas—alongside modern ICT governance, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Data Governance systems.
Background
As global societies transition toward hyper-digital ecosystems, challenges such as digital inequality, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity threats, lack of trust in digital systems, and exclusion of developing countries have become more prominent. While technological innovation is accelerating rapidly, governance frameworks often lack ethical grounding, cultural inclusivity, and human-centered values.
In this context, the integration of ethical principles derived from Islamic jurisprudence provides a universal value-based framework emphasizing justice (Adl), accountability (Amanah), transparency (Shura), and public welfare (Maslahah). These principles align strongly with modern ICT governance objectives, particularly in ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and trust in digital ecosystems.
Some Successful Relevant Initiatives
This session builds upon global and national initiatives such as:
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) frameworks (India, Estonia, Bangladesh)
AI governance and responsible AI frameworks (OECD, ITU, UNESCO)
e-Government and Digital Bangladesh / Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041
Blockchain-based transparency systems in public finance
Islamic finance and ethical governance models promoting fairness and accountability
Vision for WSIS Beyond 2025
Aligned with the WSIS vision beyond 2015 and toward 2025 and beyond, this session emphasizes building an inclusive, secure, and human-centric information society. It advocates for a digital future where technology serves humanity, strengthens trust, and ensures no country or community is left behind.
The session proposes a hybrid governance model combining:
Ethical principles (Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma, Qiyas)
International ICT standards
AI governance frameworks
Digital inclusion strategies
This integrated approach aims to support sustainable digital transformation, strengthen public trust in digital systems, and promote global cooperation for equitable technological advancement.
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C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
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C2. Information and communication infrastructure
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C4. Capacity building
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C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
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C6. Enabling environment
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-business
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-health
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-employment
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-environment
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-agriculture
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-science
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C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content
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C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
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C11. International and regional cooperation
This session is strongly aligned with the WSIS Action Lines as it integrates ethical, human-centric, and inclusive digital governance principles with emerging ICT technologies such as AI, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and Digital Identity systems, while also introducing value-based governance perspectives for trust, transparency, and inclusion.
C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders:
The session promotes multi-stakeholder cooperation among governments, international organizations, and technical communities to ensure ethical and inclusive digital transformation guided by shared values and global standards.
C2. Information and communication infrastructure:
It supports the development of secure, trusted, and interoperable digital infrastructure, including DPI, digital identity systems, and data exchange platforms.
C3. Access to information and knowledge:
The session emphasizes equitable access to digital knowledge systems, ensuring that ethical frameworks and digital tools are accessible to all countries, especially developing economies.
C4. Capacity building:
It highlights the need for capacity building in AI governance, digital ethics, cybersecurity, and public sector digital transformation aligned with human-centric values.
C5. Building confidence and security in ICT use:
A major focus is on trust, cybersecurity, data protection, and ethical AI governance to strengthen confidence in digital systems.
C6. Enabling environment:
The session promotes policy, regulatory, and governance frameworks that enable ethical innovation while ensuring accountability and inclusiveness.
C7. ICT applications (E-Government, E-Business, E-Health, E-Education):
It supports transparent, accountable, and efficient digital public services, particularly through e-Government, AI-enabled systems, and integrated public service delivery.
C8. Cultural diversity and identity:
The session uniquely integrates Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma, and Qiyas principles, promoting cultural and ethical diversity in global ICT governance discussions.
C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society:
This is a core pillar of the session, focusing on human dignity, fairness, transparency, accountability, and ethical use of AI and digital systems.
C11. International and regional cooperation:
The session encourages global collaboration on digital ethics, AI governance, DPI standards, and inclusive digital transformation frameworks for developing countries.
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
This session contributes directly to the global Sustainable Development Process by integrating ethical governance principles, human-centric digital transformation, and inclusive ICT development within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes that digital transformation must not only be technologically advanced but also socially just, ethically grounded, and globally inclusive.
The session supports the view that Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies should function as enablers of sustainable development rather than sources of inequality or exclusion. By incorporating ethical principles derived from Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma, and Qiyas alongside international ICT governance frameworks, the session promotes a balanced model where technology serves humanity, protects dignity, and strengthens social justice.
From a sustainable development perspective, the session highlights how digital systems can accelerate progress across multiple sectors including governance, education, health, finance, and trade. It emphasizes that inclusive access to digital services is essential for reducing inequality, improving public service delivery, and ensuring that developing countries are active participants in the global digital economy.
The session also addresses key sustainability challenges such as the digital divide, unequal access to technology, cybersecurity risks, and ethical concerns in artificial intelligence. It proposes that sustainable development in the digital era requires not only infrastructure and innovation, but also trust, transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
By promoting responsible AI, secure data governance, and inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure, the session aligns with global efforts to build resilient institutions and sustainable digital ecosystems. It further supports capacity building, international cooperation, and knowledge sharing to ensure that Least Developed Countries (LDCs) can benefit equitably from digital transformation.
Overall, the session strengthens the Sustainable Development Process by advocating a holistic approach where technology, ethics, governance, and human values are integrated to achieve long-term sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development outcomes for all nations.
- Objective 1: Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals
- Objective 2: Expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all
- Objective 3: Foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promotes human rights
- Objective 4: Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches
- Objective 5: Enhance international governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity