AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI) participated in the dialogue “Connecting Asia and the Pacific: The Digital Highway for Inclusive and Trusted Growth” at the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 59th Annual Meeting held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from 3–6 May 2026.
The dialogue brought together global leaders in technology, policy, and digital infrastructure to explore how Asia and the Pacific can strengthen trusted digital connectivity, accelerate AI readiness, and build resilient digital public infrastructure to support inclusive growth across the region.
The session featured opening remarks from ADB President Masato Kanda, a keynote address by Vint Cerf, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist at Google, and a video message from Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Kelly Forbes joined an esteemed panel alongside:
- Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies, Uzbekistan
- Ana Nakashidze, CEO, AzerTelecom
- Moderator Zeinab Badawi, International Broadcaster and President of SOAS, London University
Discussions focused on the importance of trusted digital infrastructure, cross-border digital corridors, AI-ready systems, cybersecurity resilience, and regional cooperation in enabling sustainable and inclusive digital transformation across Asia Pacific. The dialogue highlighted how investments in digital connectivity and responsible governance frameworks will be essential in unlocking economic opportunities and ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies.
The dialogue formed part of ADB’s broader launch of the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway initiative, which is a major regional effort aimed at expanding broadband access, strengthening data infrastructure, and supporting AI-enabled economies across Asia and the Pacific. It is estimated to spend a remarkable US$70 billion to connect Asia’s power grids and digital networks.
Thank you to ADB, Antonio García Zaballos, and the organisers for the incredible opportunity and discussions. The AI Asia Pacific Institute remains committed to continuing to collaborate and support ADB’s efforts.
