Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury made the call while delivering his statement at CPD59 at the UN Headquarters in New York. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 16, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh has called for bridging the global digital divide and strengthening data systems through enhanced international cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building at a United Nations forum on population and development.

Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury made the call while delivering his statement at the 59th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD59) at the UN Headquarters in New York, according to a message received here today. 

He stressed the need for promoting ethical use of emerging technologies with robust data privacy safeguards and urged greater investment in digital skills, particularly for women and youth.

Highlighting the importance of technology and research in achieving the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the envoy noted that nearly one-third of the global population still lacks access to internet, limiting opportunities in essential services.

The ambassador also outlined Bangladesh’s progress in reducing maternal mortality, expanding immunisation coverage, strengthening community-based healthcare, promoting women’s empowerment and enhancing collaboration with research institutions.

He further emphasised the growing use of digital health solutions, including telemedicine and real-time disease surveillance to improve healthcare delivery.

Stressing investment in youth, skills development and innovation, Chowdhury identified challenges such as rapid urbanisation, climate change and non-communicable diseases as key barriers to sustainable development.