UNDP Convenes Civil Society Dialogue on Responsible AI and Digital Transformation

The NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and support from the Australian High Commission, convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue titled "Civil Society Understanding in the Digital Landscape" in Dhaka under the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) Project underscoring the importance of ethical use of AI in the realm of technology and governance.  

The dialogue, chaired by Md Anwar Hossain, Director (Joint Secretary), NGO Affairs Bureau, brought together senior government officials, civil society representatives, development partners, and technical experts to examine how digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) are influencing governance, service delivery, and civic engagement, while also addressing emerging risks such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

Opening the session, Azizul Haque Sarder, Project Manager of the ISPAT Project, UNDP, highlighted the growing relevance of AI for civil society organizations and stressed the importance of addressing digital and gender-related risks. He reaffirmed that stakeholder feedback remains central to refining ISPAT's digital systems. Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist, UNDP, underscored ethical AI use, human rights, and governance as core ISPAT priorities, noting that consultations have already engaged more than 100 NGOs nationwide.

Representing the Australian High Commission, Asif Kashem, Senior Program Manager for Development Cooperation, reaffirmed Australia's commitment to the ISPAT partnership, highlighting its role in strengthening transparency, improving oversight of NGO activities, aligning development efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promoting data protection and digital inclusion.

Dr K M Mamun Uzzaman, Director (Joint Secretary), NGOAB, emphasized that responsible use of technology and AI can drive positive social change, with civil society playing a critical role in safeguarding democratic values and social justice. Delivering the keynote address, Md Daud Miah, Director General (Additional Secretary), NGOAB, outlined progress under the ISPAT Project and its three pillars—office automation, capacity building, and policy reform—while highlighting the need to address risks such as misinformation, data manipulation, and cyber threats.

The dialogue also featured a live demonstration of the ISPAT digital platform, a technical session on ethical AI use for NGOs, and a dedicated discussion on TFGBV, highlighting survivor-centred responses, reporting mechanisms, and institutional coordination.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to advancing responsible and ethical use of AI, and developing human-centred digital transformation to strengthen governance, protect rights, and leave no one behind.