A three-day international training on the application of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in landlocked countries (LLDCs) was held in Istanbul from May 19 to 21. The event, held in the Europe Meeting Room of the Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli, was co-sponsored by the UNDP and the European Union. Representatives from Turkmenistan's communications sector also participated.

The program featured alternating theoretical and practical sessions. Participants from different countries were paired together in mixed teams, where they developed solutions to their countries' current government and digital challenges using AI tools.

During the training, participants discussed the current status of LLDC countries, the Awaza Programme of Action, and five key areas of digital transformation in public administration. Separate sessions were devoted to digital public infrastructure, data management, and digital sovereignty.

The practical part of the event focused on the application of artificial intelligence in the public sector. Teams created early AI prototypes, considered human rights issues in the context of AI, and developed strategic documents to present their solutions.

On the final day, participants presented their projects, discussed next steps, and received course completion certificates.

Vesna Juteska-Bisheva, UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub Inclusive Growth Leader, delivered the closing speech.