ESCAP: AI Reshapes Asia-Pacific Digital Infrastructure Rules
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Artificial intelligence is changing digital infrastructure requirements across the Asia-Pacific region, where disparities in internet quality and computing resources risk widening the digital divide between nations, according to a report released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The document, titled "Digital Transformation in Asia and the Pacific 2026," notes that the rapid spread of AI is converting traditional information transmission networks into platforms capable of real-time data analysis and decision-making support. These capabilities can be applied to practical operations, including disaster response efficiency, public service enhancement, and optimization of transport and energy systems.
Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, stated that targeted and coordinated actions at national and regional levels are necessary to ensure AI-ready network infrastructure benefits all economies rather than increasing inequality.
The report highlights that the next stage of the digital divide will extend beyond basic internet access to encompass national capabilities in innovation, computing power, data processing, and AI-driven digital solution deployment.
The average Digital Transformation Index score for the Asia-Pacific region stands at 50.28 points, compared to a global average of 49.63 points. However, substantial gaps persist between nations based on income levels, with high-income regional economies outperforming low-income states in digital development metrics by nearly four times.
Practically, AI-supported infrastructure is already being deployed for applications such as SatGPT, an AI tool capable of generating flood maps from simple text prompts to accelerate emergency response times and support early warning systems.
The report was presented at the opening session of the ESCAP Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation. Over three days, ministers and senior officials from member states will discuss expanding digital access, accelerating digital transformation, and strengthening regional cooperation.
Discussions will also address the 2027–2030 Action Plan for the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway initiative. The plan focuses on building resilient cross-border digital infrastructure, improving public services through emerging technologies, sharing innovative digital solutions, establishing secure data systems, and providing targeted support to communities facing the greatest barriers to digital development.
