IsDB 2026: Stakeholders and Experts Explore AI to Strengthen Digital Economies of Member Countries

Sunday Okobi in Baku, Azerbaijan

Senior stakeholders and experts gathered at this year’s Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Meeting in Baku to discuss how artificial intelligence and shared digital infrastructure can accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen digital public infrastructure (DPI), and close gaps in compute capacity and AI readiness across IsDB Member Countries (MCs).

During the knowledge‑sharing event titled “Harnessing AI for Advancing Regional Digital Economies,” the Director‑General of Country Programmes at IsDB, Mr. Anasse Aissami, stressed that the Bank views AI not as a standalone technology agenda but as part of a shared capability framework. His aim is to help MCs move from fragmented pilots to scalable, trusted digital platforms that can be deployed across sectors and borders.

Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Samaddin Asadov, highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts to become a regional digital hub. He cited the expansion of innovation ecosystems, strengthening of digital infrastructure, and support for technology‑driven economic activity as key priorities.

He added that AI can act as a catalyst for these goals by boosting productivity, opening new digital markets, enhancing enterprise competitiveness, and improving the efficiency of public service delivery.

The session featured a diverse group of distinguished speakers and practitioners who contributed to both the panel discussion and interactive showcase segments. Panelists represented the United Nations Institute for Training & Research (UNITAR), Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), Digital Development Agency of Morocco, National ICT Council of Indonesia, Go Telecom, and the World Bank Group. Key partners of IsDB, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Co‑Develop, also shared valuable insights.

The discussion highlighted that while connectivity gaps have narrowed in recent years, a new divide is emerging around AI readiness, compute infrastructure, and access to scalable digital systems. Participants emphasized that Digital Public Infrastructure is the foundation of inclusive digital economies, and that the next phase of transformation requires regional cooperation on shared AI infrastructure.

IsDB’s ongoing initiatives were showcased, including the Joint MDB AI Use Case Repository, the AI Academy for Country Officials, and emerging models such as the Green AI Compute Corridor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These initiatives were presented as building blocks for moving from isolated national efforts toward coordinated regional digital ecosystems.

Moderated discussions focused on how MCs and development partners can jointly address policy, governance, and financing challenges related to AI deployment. Panelists explored how shared infrastructure models can help bridge digital divides, especially for low‑income and vulnerable Member Countries, while ensuring that AI systems remain ethical, secure, and aligned with national development priorities.

The session also underscored the importance of developing harmonized regulatory frameworks and innovative governance models to support cross‑border digital integration and shared infrastructure. It concluded with a strong call to deepen collaboration among governments, development institutions, and technology partners to accelerate the development of regional digital ecosystems. Commitments toward joint initiatives, including AI capacity‑building programmes and shared infrastructure models, were highlighted as essential steps toward operationalizing inclusive and resilient digital transformation across IsDB MCs.