Joy receives ‘ICT for Development Award’
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Information and Communication Technology Adviser to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been conferred upon ICT for Development Award for his far-reaching initiatives in setting Bangladesh on the road to digital world.
Joy was given the award in recognition of his tremendous contribution to the people of Bangladesh through the implementation of "Digital Bangladesh" initiative as well as his outstanding leadership and commitment towards ICT and competitiveness as a tool for sustainable development.
The World Organization of Governance and Competitiveness, the Plan Trifinio, the Global Fashion for Development and the School of Business of the University of New Haven, Connecticut, the USA jointly organised the function titled "High-Level reception in support of the first anniversary of the adoption of the UN sustainable development goals, the importance of ICT competitiveness as a tool for sustainable development" at the Hotel Millennium here last night.
Introduced this year on the occasion of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly, the award will be given regularly on an annual basis.
Eminent actor Robert Davi handed over the award at a gala function.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as well as ministers and high-level political leaders from Bangladesh and other countries, UN senior officials, heads of international organizations, ambassadors, private sector and civil society leaders and celebrities attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Hasina thanked the organizers for nominating someone from Bangladesh for the award given this evening.
She said Sajeeb Wazed, who happens to be her Advisor on ICT, has been instrumental in shaping her government's vision for a "Digital Bangladesh". "He (Joy) continues to inspire our youths to think big and act boldly," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said, "As a mother, I am indeed proud to see my son being recognized for his work. He is making his mark in realizing 'Sonar Bangla', the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,"
The premier said, in Bangladesh, her government has made substantive investment in expanding IT infrastructure and building an IT-educated workforce. "We've seen a sea-change in broadband access and IT-enabled public services," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said ICT has thus become a critical enabler for the country's inclusive growth, sustainable development and good governance. "It drives our aim to build a knowledge-based society for achieving our Vision-2021' and Vision-2041," she said.
"Indeed, ICT holds for us a key to unlocking the full potentials of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," she added.
After receiving the award, Joy said, "I feel deeply honoured to receive this award."
He dedicated this award to all the young people of the country, who are potential agents of transformation and builders of "Digital Bangladesh".