Conference Kicks Off in Samarkand with Plans for Asian Internet, AI, and Power Line Connectivity

The 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank has commenced in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, hosting representatives from over 100 countries. ADB President Masato Kanda announced plans to invest $7 billion to expand energy and internet networks. Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev unveiled ambitious initiatives to position his country as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and put forward five key proposals for regional development.

Held in the Silk Road hub of Samarkand, the conference once again emphasized its core themes: internet and power grid connectivity. The meeting, which began on Sunday, was formally inaugurated on Monday by President Mirziyoyev and ADB President Kanda. UNESCO recognizes Samarkand as a “Crossroads of Cultures,” a sentiment echoed by the ADB’s conference motto: “Crossroads of Progress: Strengthening the Connected Future of the Region.”

During the opening session, ADB President Kanda stated, “Let us develop together, work together,” marking the region’s entry into a new phase. He cautioned against geopolitical fragmentation, devastating conflicts, economic disruptions, and pressures from climate change. He also revealed that by 2025, the ADB plans to provide $44 billion in extraordinary support to the region.

President Mirziyoyev presented Uzbekistan’s ambitious plan to become a leader in the artificial intelligence sector. He highlighted the country’s economy, which has grown continuously from $50 billion in 2016 to $147 billion today. Additionally, he noted a significant decline in the poverty rate, from 35 percent to 5.8 percent. Furthermore, he introduced five critical proposals aimed at fostering regional development.