Sonia Bashir Kabir to represent Bangladesh at UN

The UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has appointed Microsoft Bangladesh chief Sonia Bashir Kabir as a member of the Governing Council of the Technology Bank for LDCs.

A feasibility study by a panel of high-level experts, arranged by the UN Secretary-General, earlier recommended a Technology Bank that would promote science, technology and innovation in the world’s poorest countries, a press release reads.

The study suggested that the Technology Bank be comprised of two units—a Science, Technology and Innovation Support Mechanism, and an Intellectual Property Bank.

The Secretary-General has appointed 12 expert members from different countries (including non-LDC countries) to the Technology Bank.

 Sonia has been hand-picked to represent Bangladesh at the council. Following the appointment, Sonia was informed that the UN believes her “expertise would make an invaluable contribution to the work of the Council” and they “greatly appreciate her strong commitment and contribution to the promotion of science and technology.”

The members of the Governing Council will not receive any honorarium, fee or other remuneration from the UN. However, travel and daily subsistence costs for their participation in meetings will be covered as per the UN policies. There will also be efforts to make use of ICT tools in the working procedure of the Council.

Professor Mohamed H.A. Hassan (Sudan), President of the Inter Academy Partnership (IAP) and former Chairman of the Council of the United Nations University, will serve as the Chair of the Governing Council.