Digital transformation is playing a crucial role in fostering sustainable development in Asia, as per a report by the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA). The report, titled “Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2026 — Sustainable Development in Asia amid Global Transformation,” highlights Asia’s efforts in adopting future-oriented development models through digital technologies.
Asia’s digital economy has significantly contributed to economic growth, with figures indicating that by 2025, it had reached a scale of 27 trillion US dollars, representing 46% of the region’s GDP. Artificial intelligence has emerged as a key driver of social and economic advancement in Asia, driving productivity enhancements and job creation, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises.
The report underscores the growing trend of digital resilience in Asia’s sustainable development, emphasizing the role of green digital technologies in promoting low-carbon transformation. Green manufacturing and smart factories, fueled by digitalization, are at the forefront of industrial upgrades in the Asia-Pacific region, driving energy efficiency improvements and sustainable growth.
The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), established in 2001, is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization dedicated to enhancing regional economic integration among Asian countries. The BFA Annual Conference 2026, themed “Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation,” is currently ongoing in Boao, Hainan, China.
