Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — For the first time in history, Uzbekistan has been elected to the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) for the 2025–2028 term.

The elections were held during the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which took place from April 21 to 25, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.

The session was attended by representatives from 53 ESCAP member states, associate members, and international organizations, with nearly 900 delegates in total.

Note: The Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) is one of five regional institutes of ESCAP, located in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The center focuses on strengthening the ICT capacity of member countries to achieve socio-economic development. Its activities include educational programs, experience sharing, dialogue facilitation among stakeholders, and the promotion of multilateral cooperation. The center's e-learning platforms and programs are popular not only in Asia and the Pacific but also globally.

Uzbekistan’s election (through the Ministry of Digital Technologies) to the APCICT Governing Council recognizes its leading role in digital transformation in Central Asia. Alongside Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Russia, and Thailand were also elected to the council.

Membership in the Governing Council offers Uzbekistan several significant opportunities:

Influence on the regional digital agenda: Uzbekistan will be able to actively contribute to shaping digital development strategies in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Central Asia.

Access to advanced educational programs and ICT resources: This will help improve digital literacy in the country, especially among the youth, and strengthen the ICT workforce.

Expansion of international cooperation: Uzbekistan will gain new opportunities for joint projects and experience sharing with other countries and organizations.

Support for youth and startups: Practical platforms will be created to develop digital skills and entrepreneurship among the youth.

Acceleration of the digital economy: Active participation in the center's initiatives will foster the dynamic growth of the digital economy and strengthen Uzbekistan's position in the global digital arena.

Uzbekistan’s election to the APCICT Governing Council is a significant milestone in the implementation of the "Digital Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy and will promote the country's active involvement in international digital cooperation, economic modernization, and innovation. Between 2025 and 2028, Uzbekistan aims to make a significant contribution to supporting digital transformation in the region.