Representatives from Central Asia participated in the Tech Diplomacy Africa Symposium

The Tech Diplomacy Africa Symposium, an international symposium on technology diplomacy themed The Digital Future by the Global South, took place in Cape Town.

The forum brought together ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and technology companies to discuss the future of digital cooperation and the international technology agenda. Participants included representatives from the following countries: England, Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Chile, France, the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, and the United States.

Key topics of the symposium

The central theme of the forum was the role of Global South countries in shaping the new digital era.

Participants discussed:
— the participation of African and Global South countries in developing international digital standards
— technological partnerships as a tool for international engagement
— the development of digital infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure
— data governance and strengthening the digital sovereignty of states
— international cooperation in the field of technology and innovation.

Representatives of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan shared regional experience

As part of the discussion, representatives of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan shared their region's experience in digital transformation, the development of innovation ecosystems, and international technological cooperation.

Central Asia was represented at the symposium by:

— Anna Ambrozevich — Regional Attaché of the Tech Diplomacy Global Institute in Central Asia
— Asem Bolatjan — Freelance Advisor to the Minister of AI and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of AI and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The importance of engaging youth in the agenda

Representatives of Central Asia emphasized the importance of timely involvement of the next generation in the field of technological diplomacy, especially for regions in Asia and Africa where the majority of the population is young.

Anna Ambrozevich, Regional Attaché of the Tech Diplomacy Global Institute in Central Asia
Future diplomats must be in this room, listening and learning, right now. Otherwise, it will be too late later.

Tech Diplomacy as a new international agenda

As a result of the symposium, participants emphasized that sustainable development and global stability are directly linked to the effective regulation of technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms.

Tech Diplomacy continues to form as a new direction of international policy, combining technology, diplomacy, and strategic management.

The participation of Central Asian representatives highlighted the growing role of the region in the international dialogue on digital development, innovation, and technological cooperation.