Focus on digital innovation: the EDB’s presentation at the 80th ESCAP Commission Session
Denis Ilin, Senior Managing Director at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), delivered a speech at the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held from 22 to 26 April in Bangkok, Thailand. During his presentation, Denis Ilin emphasised the importance of digital innovation in driving the sustainable development of Central Asian countries.
“The Eurasian Development Bank sees the promotion of digital innovation and reducing the digital divide among our member states as one of the key areas of its activities. We consider the digital divide a key barrier to effective economic integration and cross-border cooperation. It also has a negative impact on the region’s transition to paperless trade and multilateral digital projects, including the digitalisation of transportation and logistics. Therefore, we are actively collaborating with ESCAP and other UN bodies, as well as multilateral banks and development institutions to support projects aimed at developing digital tools and technologies and promoting sustainable development,” he stated.
Denis Ilin highlighted that, as part of its 2022–2026 Strategy, the Bank pays particular attention to the landlocked countries of Central Asia. Specifically, the EDB focuses on major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity within and beyond the region, promoting efficient and balanced water and energy usage and addressing challenges related to digitalisation, innovation and food security in Central Asia.
Digitalising water metering is an important aspect of preparing the region for persistent water scarcity in Central Asia, projected to potentially reach 12 km³ per year by 2028. According to Denis Ilin, the Government of Kazakhstan is presently developing a project to digitalise 3,500 km of irrigation networks. If implemented across all Central Asian countries, this initiative could save more than 4 km³ of water annually.
During his presentation, Denis Ilin also announced the EDB’s new projects, which include supporting SME digital transformation in Armenia and the digitalisation of special economic zones in Tajikistan. Another significant initiative is the development of an interactive geoinformation platform for water resources in Kazakhstan. This platform aims to provide central and regional governments with full access to digital information on water resources, along with effective tools for resource management and minimising losses.
ESCAP is the United Nation’s largest regional commission in terms of geographical coverage and population. The Commission’s primary focus areas are environmental protection, natural resource management, investment cooperation, trade, energy and transportation.
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is an international financial institution promoting integration and development in its member countries. For more than 18 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. The EDB's charter capital totals US $7 billion. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.
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