A high-level roundtable dialogue on “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Development Sector” was held at the Azimur Rahman Conference Hall, The Daily Star Centre, Dhaka, bringing together leading stakeholders from development organizations, academia, and international agencies.
The dialogue was organized by Growing Together OPC, with support from the University of Toronto, to explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in development, particularly in program design, policymaking, fundraising, monitoring and evaluation, and broader applications in the charitable and philanthropic sectors, according to a press release.
The session was presided over by M. Anowar Hossain, Executive Chairman of Growing Together OPC, who emphasized the growing importance of AI in development.
“AI has the potential to significantly accelerate development outcomes, but its application must remain inclusive, accountable, and grounded in strong governance systems,” he said.
Dr. Shamim Ahmed, Professor at the International Business University, Canada, highlighted the importance of ethical AI.
“The future of AI in development depends on how responsibly we use it—ethical, transparent, and human-centered approaches are no longer optional, they are essential,” he noted.
Saiqa Siraj, Head of Climate Bridge Fund at BRAC, highlighted AI’s relevance in climate and financing.
“AI can play a critical role in addressing climate challenges and unlocking innovative financing solutions for sustainable development,” she remarked.
The roundtable brought together representatives from UN agencies, bilateral donors, international NGOs (INGOs), academia, and development practitioners, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.
Participants discussed emerging opportunities, practical applications, and collaboration pathways to harness AI for sustainable and inclusive development, while also emphasizing the need for appropriate policy frameworks and institutional capacity.
Speakers noted that this was among the first dedicated discussions in Bangladesh focusing on the application of AI in the development sector, and appreciated the initiative taken by Growing Together OPC.
They also emphasized the importance of collective action and multi-stakeholder collaboration to effectively leverage AI for development impact.
The event concluded with a strong call for continued dialogue and collaboration to maximize the benefits of AI while addressing associated risks.
MSH
