The TAJ-TECH 2026 International Forum issued the Dushanbe Declaration on Innovation and Digital Technologies, the Forum, held Oct. 29-30 in DushanbeNIAT Khovar reported.

The declaration reflects the participants’ shared commitment to using innovation and digital technologies for the benefit of humanity, sustainable development and mutually beneficial regional and international cooperation.

The document outlines common positions and intentions in several areas, including developing youth potential and expanding digital opportunities. It describes young people as a key driving force behind innovation and the digital economy and says investment in quality education, digital literacy, technological skills and youth entrepreneurship is essential to turning their potential into socioeconomic gains.

“We consider it important to support initiatives that prepare young people to develop digital products and services, establish innovative companies, and participate in national and international labor markets,” the declaration says. “We place special emphasis on ensuring equal access to training, technology, and employment opportunities for women and girls, persons with disabilities, and residents of remote areas.”

The declaration also supports the development and use of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity while emphasizing safety, transparency, accountability and personal data protection.

“We emphasize the importance of risk assessment, the prevention of discrimination, and the maintenance of human oversight when artificial intelligence is used in decision-making processes that affect the rights and interests of citizens,” it says.

Participants supported an initiative to establish a Regional Artificial Intelligence Center in Central Asia as a platform for scientific cooperation, personnel training, knowledge exchange and the development and testing of technologies. They also backed cooperation on developing AI tools in the national languages of Central Asian countries and using them in public services, education, health care and other economic and social sectors.

The forum participants welcomed Tajikistan’s international initiatives on artificial intelligence, including a U.N. General Assembly resolution designating Aug. 31 as the International Day of Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, with annual observance beginning in 2027.

They also supported holding educational, scientific and training events marking the international day to raise public awareness and promote international cooperation.

Participants identified the development of startups and technology parks, including IT parks, along with entrepreneurship support and acceleration centers and stronger links between science and industry, as key prerequisites for building a knowledge-based economy.

“We advocate for the development of public administration that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of citizens and entrepreneurs,” the declaration says. “The digitalization of public services must be accompanied by the simplification of procedures, a reduction in costs and time for applicants, and an improvement in service quality.”

Participants also supported the exchange of experience in electronic document management, the integration of interagency information systems, electronic identity verification and service delivery through unified platforms. They said personal data protection, secure information exchange and inclusive access, including for people with limited access to technology, are integral to the process.

The declaration identifies the protection of critical information infrastructure, risk management and preparedness to detect, prevent and mitigate cyber incidents as essential priorities. It also supports exchanging information and experience on cyber threats, conducting joint exercises, training specialists and developing professional ties among relevant institutions, in accordance with national legislation and information protection requirements.

Participants described the growth of e-commerce, financial technology and cashless payments as important to expanding access to financial services, increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs and encouraging participation in the digital economy.

They also emphasized the need to train and retrain workers to meet the demands of the digital labor market and supported digital cooperation among Central Asian countries based on national priorities and shared interests.

The participants invited international organizations, financial institutions, development partners and investors to cooperate on developing and financing priority projects.

The declaration recognizes the TAJ-TECH Forum as a permanent platform for regional and international dialogue, showcasing technological achievements, exploring investment opportunities and developing joint projects. It also endorses holding the international TAJ-TECH Forum annually in Dushanbe.