ASIA-PACIFIC INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY (APIS)
Despite the great progress in deepening regional connectivity through information and communication technologies, Asia and the Pacific is still the most digitally divided region in the world, with less than eight per cent of the population connected to affordable and reliable high-speed Internet. As a result, millions of people are shut out from transformative digital opportunities in education, health and financial services. Women and girls, in particular, have lower levels of access to broadband Internet and other knowledge-enhancing technologies. The Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (APIS) is a region-wide intergovernmental platform. APIS aims to bridge the digital divide and accelerate digital transformation by promoting digital connectivity, digital technology and data use in the Asia Pacific region.
ESCAP member States recognised APIS as one of the useful regional platforms for promoting digital cooperation (ESCAP Resolution 78/1, May 2022, 79/10, May 2023). An APIS Action plan consists of three pillars with scoped 25 actions. Three APIS Working Groups are focused on Connectivity for All, Digital Technologies and Applications and Digital Data. This APIS action plan 2022-2026 is supporting multi-stakeholder events at a high level, like Ministerial Conferences (ref Seoul, 10 November 2022), ESCAP Committee for ICT, Science Technology and Innovation (2020, 2022), United Nations Special Programme for Central Asia (2020-2023) and its Working Group on Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development. The APIS technical cooperation projects created online connectivity tools, an e-resilience monitoring dashboard, focused on rural-urban connectivity, clean air for sustainable ASEAN and digital payment projects. ESCAP website publishes analytical reports and working paper series on Asia and the Pacific digital transformation. Please refer to the brochure on APIS here.
To access additional interactive content regarding the APIS implementation plan 2022 to 2026, please register at APIS thematic area at the Mighty Network (User Guide) by following the link [https://bit.ly/2ATqwVe]. This networking space facilitates online engagement with the APIS bureau members, and academia network, enabling you to participate in discussions, build community, share information, and promote and support relevant activities of APIS action plan 2022-2026 (your website and publication URL).
The Central Asia Internet Governance Forum (CAIGF)
CAIGF Towards Resilient Cyber Space in Central Asia: Determining Shared Responses and Adaptations, 28-29 September 2022, Nur-Sultan, 2022, click here
The Central Asia Internet Governance Forum (CAIGF) is a regional international platform that brings together representatives of governments, business, international organizations, civil society and experts. First held in 2016, the annual Forum is a unique public mechanism for a wide range of stakeholders to discuss Internet governance in the Central Asian region.
RIPE NCC Days Tashkent, 19-23 September 2022
RIPE NCC Days Tashkent is scheduled to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 19-23 September 2022. Click here
Central Asia Peering and Interconnection Forum (CAPIF 1)
The first-ever Central Asia Peering and Interconnection Forum (CAPIF 1) will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 16-17 November 2022. Click here for Registration
Central Asia is a landlocked region with a high potential to serve as a crossroads of interconnection for other regions and countries, including China, Russia, Iran, the Caucasus and the Middle East.
Asia Pacific Digital Ministerial Conference: Shaping Our Common Future
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the interlinkages between digitalization and development. The pandemic catalysed the deployment of innovative digital solutions and digital cooperation for coping with everyday activities and new socio-economic development opportunities. At the same time, the digital divides that the pandemic exacerbated have widened and threatened development inequalities across countries.
