Staff Correspondent
Swedish Crown Princess Victoria during her visit to Bangladesh as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP,
observed the significant strides made by the country in achieving digital transformation in an event
titled 'Innovate Together for #ZeroDigitalDivide', organized by the ICT Division and Aspire to Innovate-
a2i with the support of UNDP. The event was held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on 18
March.
The event underscored Bangladesh's steadfast commitment to realizing a future free of digital
disparities, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of leaving no one
behind.
During the event, the Crown Princess witnessed Bangladesh's exemplary journey in bridging the digital
divide through innovative initiatives such as Digital Centres, the National Helpline 333, e-commerce
platforms, and freelancer support programs. These initiatives are empowering citizens, particularly
young people and entrepreneurs, across Bangladesh, paving the way for inclusive growth and socio-
economic development.
State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, shared insights into Bangladesh's Digital to Smart Bangladesh
Journey, emphasizing how technology is driving social transformation by expanding access to education,
healthcare, and economic opportunities. He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to creating a world
with ‘ZeroDigitalDivide’, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of the digital revolution for all citizens.
Ulrika Modéer, UN Assistant Secretary-General at UNDP, Johan Forssell, Swedish Minister for
International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of
Sweden to Bangladesh, were also present during the event along with other senior government officials,
UN representatives, and the private sector. Through interactive sessions and exhibitions, participants
discussed the transformative impact of Bangladesh's digitalization efforts, emphasizing the
opportunities created for individuals from diverse backgrounds. They also discussed Bangladesh's
remarkable progress and unwavering commitment to creating a ZeroDigitalDivide world.
During the visit to Bangladesh, the Crown Princess will conduct field visits to witness firsthand the
positive impact of inclusive digital development on poverty reduction in rural areas. The Crown Princess
will also explore initiatives led by women and young entrepreneurs aimed at mitigating the effects of
climate change in vulnerable areas, implemented by the government and UNDP.
“I look forward to visiting Bangladesh together with the Crown Princess in her role as Goodwill
Ambassador for UNDP and with Ulrika Modéer, Assistant Secretary General at UNDP. The Swedish
government actively contributes to the implementation of Agenda 2030.”, says Mr Forssell, who makes
his first visit to the country.
“Sweden and Bangladesh’s partnership goes back more than 50 years and consists of long-term
development cooperation and extensive trade. Bangladesh has made an impressive development
journey in recent years and is expected to transition from a low-income country to a middle-income
country in 2026. The business sector, including Swedish companies, plays an important role in
promoting the green and digital transition, which contributes significantly to job creation and
sustainable growth,” Mr. Forssell continues.
The Crown Princess returns to Bangladesh almost two decades after her first visit in the country in 2005.
She then spent three days primarily following up on Swedish development cooperation in the
northwestern parts of Bangladesh.
