Within the framework of its Digital Transformation Capacity Building (DIGI-CaB) Programme, SESRIC will organise a Workshop on “Key Challenges and Opportunities in the Utilisation of Emerging Technologies”, in collaboration with the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), on 25-26 March 2025 through an online video conferencing platform.

The workshop aims to enhance the understanding of emerging technologies, promote continuous adaptation to rapid technological change, and explore opportunities for innovation and value creation through emerging technologies among OIC Member Countries.

The Workshop will cover the following topics, among others:

• Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) – A Dilemma: Examining the dual nature of EDTs, including both potential benefits (e.g., increased efficiency, innovation) and challenges (e.g., job displacement, ethical concerns), providing a balanced perspective.
• Integration and Scalability of Emerging Technologies: Focusing on the practical aspects of integrating EDTs into existing systems and infrastructure within OIC Member Countries, addressing compatibility, interoperability, and scalability.
• Maximising Societal Benefits of Emerging Technologies: Exploring how EDTs can address social challenges and improve quality of life in OIC Member Countries, focusing on areas, such as healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.
• Cooperation and Partnership for Sustainable Development under IsDB’s Technology Deployment Cooperation Program (TDCP): Emphasising international cooperation and partnerships in harnessing the potential of EDTs for sustainable development, exploring opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint initiatives with regard to the IsDB’s best practices.
• Technology Risk Management and Cyber Resilience: Legal and Shari'ah Perspective: Examining technological risks and shortcomings from managerial as well as governance contexts associated with new technologies, exploring strategies from legal and sha’riah perspectives for mitigating threats, ensuring data privacy, and developing robust regulatory frameworks.

SESRIC launched the Digital Transformation Capacity Building (DIGI-CaB) Programme in 2024 to contribute to the efforts of OIC Member Countries in navigating the domain of digital transformation. The programme facilitates the transfer, sharing, and exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices among the member countries, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by digitalisation.

For more information about SESRIC Capacity Building Programmes, please visit: https://www.sesric.org/tcd-cab.php.