No country can fully realize the value of artificial intelligence (AI) by acting alone, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Samaddin Asadov stated during panel discussions within the framework of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group's 51st Annual Meeting in Baku, Report informs.
"In Azerbaijan, artificial intelligence is viewed as an integral part of broader digital transformation and the transition to an innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy. AI is no longer just a technological issue. It has become a driving force for economic competitiveness, public sector transformation, productivity, and social inclusion. In our country, this direction is defined by a clear set of strategic documents. Together, they provide a roadmap for developing digital infrastructure, strengthening digital governance, expanding AI, enhancing cybersecurity, and supporting innovation," Asadov said.
The deputy minister added that the foundation of AI in Azerbaijan is a strong digital public infrastructure, and the country has achieved real progress in this area over the past five years:
"Azerbaijan was among the first in our region to completely abandon copper infrastructure and the first to deploy broadband connectivity to every household and small community nationwide. AI creates real value only when built on reliable data, secure digital identification, interconnected systems, and citizen-centered services. On this foundation, Azerbaijan is now taking concrete steps to develop a national AI ecosystem – establishing a national AI center, expanding AI-supported public services, and launching an AI regulatory sandbox. The goal of these initiatives is to build sovereign capacity – enabling the state, enterprises, and citizens to responsibly understand, manage, apply, and benefit from AI."
He stressed the importance of regional cooperation and the valuable unifying role of IsDB: "We believe such cooperation should rest on three principles. First, it must be practical – focused on use cases that solve real development challenges in the public sector, healthcare, education, social protection, transport, agriculture, and other areas. Second, it must be inclusive – open to countries at every stage of digital maturity so that everyone can participate and benefit. Third, it must be sustainable. AI requires energy, investment, and governance. Therefore, green energy, responsible financing, and reliable governance must stand at the center of our cooperation."