Diplomatic Desk:
A 19-member delegation from Bangladesh participated in the second Global Digital Forum held in Moscow, the Russian capital. During the forum—held from October 8 to 10, 2026—Bangladeshi IT entrepreneurs, students, teachers, and education professionals engaged in discussions regarding global digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital education, and technological cooperation.
Organized under the slogan “Communicate. Connect. Create.,” the forum served as an international dialogue platform for governments, international organizations, IT entrepreneurs, technologists, academics, and civil society representatives from around the world. Key objectives included strengthening digital cooperation based on mutual trust, respect, and equal opportunities, as well as fostering joint initiatives to address future technological challenges.
The forum was organized by “National Priorities” and the “Center for Global IT Cooperation” under the initiative of the Russian Federation government, with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Moscow Government served as the general partner, while PSB Bank was the strategic partner. This international conference took place at the “Mechta” venue in Moscow’s Gorky Park as part of “Digital Solutions,” Russia’s largest IT event. The inaugural Global Digital Forum had previously been held in Nizhny Novgorod on June 5 and 6, 2025.
According to the organizers, the three-day event drew over 1,300 guests, including 730 experts from 111 countries. More than 60 sessions featured round-table discussions, speeches, workshops, and presentations. Over 70 high-ranking Russian and international officials—including Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Digital Development, and heads of various international and regional organizations—delivered addresses at the event. Alongside the forum proceedings, over 200 bilateral meetings took place, resulting in the signing of 150 agreements and memoranda of understanding.
Key topics discussed at the forum included global regulations for artificial intelligence, digital sovereignty, online child safety, AI ethics, smart cities, cybersecurity, digital education, and the future of media. Discussions also highlighted the need for knowledge exchange, policy coordination, and innovation-driven collaboration among nations in this era of rapidly evolving technology.
Participation of the Bangladeshi Delegation in Global Discussions
The Bangladeshi delegation to the forum included Mohammad Saifuddin Munna, Anjan Chandra Das, Mohammad Saber Shah, Md. Shahriar Azad Ivan, Jannatul Ferdous Lufin, Jannatul Mawa Mim, Rashedul Haque, Khan Mohammad Nakib, Rahat Uddin, Md. Abdur Rashid Sohag, Mamun Sheikh, Md. Enamul Haque, Golam Kibria, Md. Abubakar Siddique, Md. Saddam Hossain Roni, SM Sajibul Islam, Mohammad Faisal Akbar, Majadur Rahman Robin, and Amjad Hossain Samim.
The organizers provided support to the Bangladeshi delegation members covering airfare, accommodation, and visa expenses. This initiative played a significant role in creating opportunities for Bangladeshi youth to participate in international technology and education-related activities.
Delegates from Bangladesh also participated as speakers in various sessions of the forum. On October 8, Khan Mohammad Nakib, CEO of Diana Host, spoke at a panel discussion titled “The Value of a Name: Domain as a Digital Asset.” On the same day, Md. Saddam Hossain Roni—an independent researcher and developer of the “TalkHope Integrated Model (THIM)”—participated as a panelist in a session titled “Humans Need Humans: Trust in Media in the Age of AI.” Additionally, the Bangladeshi delegation at the forum included Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Minister of Science and Technology; Md. Nazrul Islam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Russia; and Muhammad Mukhlesur Rahman, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.
New Prospects for Bangladesh-Russia Technology Cooperation
Bangladesh’s participation in the Second Global Digital Forum has created opportunities for the country’s young tech entrepreneurs, educators, and students to showcase their skills, experiences, and perspectives on an international stage. Gaining international experience in key sectors—such as artificial intelligence, digital business, online media, and technology-driven education and research—is particularly significant for Bangladesh.
It has been reported that Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Russian entities and various Bangladeshi institutions and universities during the forum. If the potential cooperation outlined in these agreements is successfully implemented, it could pave the way for new opportunities in technology exchange, joint research, educational initiatives, and skilled human resource development between Bangladesh and Russia.
According to experts, to reap the full benefits of participating in such international forums, it is essential to translate the insights gained into tangible projects, effectively implement the signed MoUs, and foster long-term collaboration among technology firms, universities, and researchers from both nations.
