Blockchain as a Silent Architect of Trust and Renewal

In a world once built on spoken promises and paper trails, trust was a fragile currency. It depended on intermediaries—banks, brokers, bureaucrats—who often failed us through delay, corruption, or exclusion. The social contract, though noble in intent, was frequently broken in practice.

Then came a quiet revolution—not with banners or slogans, but with code. Blockchain emerged not merely as a technology, but as a philosophy of transparency, decentralization, and shared truth. It offered a new kind of trust—one that didn’t rely on authority, but on mathematics and consensus.

🔐 Secure Transactions Blockchain redefined the way we exchange value. Whether it's a farmer receiving fair payment or a researcher accessing global funding, every transaction is recorded, verified, and preserved. No edits. No erasures. Just a permanent ledger of truth.

⚡ Frictionless Transfers Gone are the days of waiting for cross-border approvals or banking hours. Blockchain enables instant, borderless fund transfers—empowering humanitarian aid, microfinance, and peer-to-peer support with unprecedented speed and reliability.

📜 Smart Contracts Imagine agreements that execute themselves. Smart contracts are digital protocols that enforce terms automatically, without bias or delay. They represent a new social contract—one that is fair, efficient, and incorruptible.

🌱 Sustainable Development Beyond finance, blockchain is now tracking carbon footprints, verifying ethical supply chains, and ensuring transparency in healthcare. It’s becoming a tool for planetary stewardship—where data serves not profit alone, but people and ecosystems.

🕊️ A Path to Peace In a world fractured by misinformation and power imbalances, blockchain offers a quiet promise: a system where truth is distributed, not dictated. Where participation is open, and manipulation is difficult. It may not solve every problem, but it reshapes the foundation on which solutions can be built.

We often ask: can technology be humane? Blockchain doesn’t answer with noise—it answers with structure. It is the silent architect of a future where trust is earned, not imposed. Where systems serve the many, not the few.

Let us not use technology merely for profit, but for justice. In doing so, blockchain becomes more than a tool—it becomes a philosophy of renewal.

#BlockchainForPeace #DigitalEthics #SmartContracts #SustainableDevelopment #HakikurRahman

Bringing Artificial Intelligence to the Global South: A Journey of Inclusion, Innovation, and Impact

I am pleased to share that my latest book, Artificial Intelligence in the Global South, is now available on Amazon:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/Artificial-Intelligence-Global-Hakikur-Rahman/dp/6206792722

Over the past two decades, I have been working on the intersections of digital transformation, data mining, e-governance, and now, artificial intelligence (AI). While AI is making waves in developed regions, its integration into the Global South remains complex—intertwined with infrastructure gaps, policy challenges, and socio-economic disparities. Yet, it also brings opportunities to reimagine development, education, agriculture, public service delivery, and local entrepreneurship through responsible and inclusive innovation.

This book aims to unpack the AI journey for developing countries—offering frameworks, insights, and case studies that highlight how AI can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development if deployed wisely and ethically. From addressing the digital divide and enhancing public services to promoting capacity-building and localized innovation ecosystems, Artificial Intelligence in the Global South reflects a long-standing commitment to meaningful technology integration.

I extend my gratitude to all the scholars, students, colleagues, and institutions who have supported and inspired this work. This book is more than a collection of research—it is a call to action for inclusive digital futures, where no region is left behind.

If you are a researcher, policymaker, educator, or development practitioner working in or with the Global South, I invite you to explore this book and join the ongoing conversation. Your insights and feedback are most welcome.

📖 Read more or get a copy here:
👉 Amazon – Artificial Intelligence in the Global South

Let us shape a future where technology empowers communities, not divides them.

—
Dr. Hakikur Rahman
Author | Researcher | Educator

 

📚 Reflections on My Scopus-Indexed Research Contributions: Ethics, Identity & Blockchain Knowledge Systems

I’m delighted to share a significant milestone in my academic journey—four of my recent research chapters have been officially indexed in Scopus, one of the most respected abstract and citation databases for scholarly literature. This recognition not only validates the scholarly rigor of these works but also affirms the relevance of the themes I’ve been exploring: digital ethics, online identity, and blockchain-based knowledge ecosystems.

These chapters are part of two edited volumes published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, each addressing urgent questions at the intersection of technology, society, and human values.

🔍 1. The Ethical Dimensions of Digital Interactions

Rahman, H. (2025b) 📘 In Digital Citizenship and Building a Responsible Online Presence (pp. 123–164) ✅ Indexed in: SCOPUS

In this chapter, I examine the moral frameworks that shape our behavior in digital spaces. As online interactions become increasingly complex and consequential, the need for ethical reflection grows stronger. I explore how digital citizenship must evolve beyond mere participation to include responsibility, empathy, and accountability. The chapter invites readers to consider how ethical principles can guide our engagement in virtual communities, especially in contexts where anonymity and algorithmic influence challenge traditional norms.

🧠 2. Navigating the Complexities of Online Identity and Reputation

Rahman, H. (2025a) 📘 In Digital Citizenship and Building a Responsible Online Presence (pp. 1–42) ✅ Indexed in: SCOPUS

This piece delves into the layered nature of online identity—how we construct, perform, and protect our digital selves. I analyze the tension between authenticity and curation, and how reputation systems (likes, ratings, reviews) shape our social standing in virtual environments. Drawing from philosophical and sociological perspectives, the chapter reflects on the fragility of digital reputation and the long-term implications of identity fragmentation across platforms.

🔐 3. Securing Data Privacy in Blockchain Networks

Rahman, H. (2024b) 📘 In Blockchain Technology Applications in Knowledge Management (pp. 367–411) ✅ Indexed in: SCOPUS

Here, I explore the paradox of transparency and privacy in blockchain systems. While blockchain promises decentralized trust, it also raises critical questions about data exposure and user control. This chapter investigates how privacy-preserving mechanisms—such as zero-knowledge proofs and encryption layers—can be integrated into blockchain architectures to protect sensitive knowledge assets. The discussion is framed within the broader context of ethical data stewardship in decentralized environments.

🌐 4. Blockchain-Driven Knowledge Ecosystems

Rahman, H. (2024a) 📘 In Blockchain Technology Applications in Knowledge Management (pp. 29–70) ✅ Indexed in: SCOPUS

This chapter presents a conceptual framework for blockchain-enabled knowledge ecosystems. I argue that blockchain can transform how knowledge is created, validated, and shared—especially in contexts where trust and provenance are paramount. The chapter outlines potential applications in education, research, and collaborative innovation, while also cautioning against techno-utopianism. It emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive and ethically grounded implementations.

🌱 A Personal Note

These works represent more than academic output—they reflect my ongoing philosophical inquiry into how technology reshapes human experience. From the ethics of digital interaction to the architecture of decentralized knowledge, I’ve tried to approach each topic with both analytical depth and cultural sensitivity.

Being indexed in Scopus is a humbling affirmation, but the real reward lies in the conversations these chapters might spark. I welcome feedback, critique, and collaboration from fellow thinkers, researchers, and practitioners who are navigating similar terrains.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey—your encouragement continues to inspire my work.

#ScopusIndexed #DigitalEthics #OnlineIdentity #BlockchainKnowledge #AcademicMilestone #HakikurRahman #PhilosophyAndTech #ResponsibleInnovation #DigitalCitizenship

 

Bridging the Digital Divide: Reflections from WSIS+20 and the Path Ahead

By Dr. Hakikur Rahman
Professor, International Standard University | Speaker, WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025

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🌐 Setting the Stage

From 7–11 July 2025, the international community gathered in Geneva for the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, marking two decades since the first World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). I had the honor of presenting during Session 413: Bridging the Digital Divide – Inclusive ICT Policies for Sustainable Development, held on 11 July at Room E, Palexpo.

This interactive and insightful session brought together policy experts, technologists, and development practitioners to examine how inclusive ICT frameworks can meaningfully contribute to global digital equity. Our goal was to identify pathways toward ICT policies that are fair, transparent, environmentally responsible, and globally equitable.

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📣 My Contribution: A 3-Pillar Framework

In my presentation, I proposed a three-pillar framework for digital policy design:

1. Inclusion – Prioritizing access for marginalized populations, including rural communities, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

2. Ethics – Addressing digital rights, data protection, and algorithmic fairness as foundational design principles.

3. Sustainability – Integrating ICT deployment with environmental considerations and long-term infrastructure resilience.

Drawing on case studies from Bangladesh, I highlighted both achievements and challenges in reducing the urban-rural divide, improving digital literacy, and advancing e-governance. The experience of Bangladesh—like many Global South nations—shows that technological advancement alone is not enough. Institutional readiness, inclusive governance, and ethical foresight must accompany it.

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🔍 Key Insights from the Session

The WSIS+20 session generated a rich discussion around the following themes:

• Access gaps remain urgent: Despite advances in connectivity, over 2.6 billion people globally remain offline, with the majority concentrated in low-income and remote regions. The digital divide is no longer just about infrastructure—it is about affordability, relevance, and capacity.

• Policy fragmentation is a barrier: Participants emphasized the need to harmonize national ICT strategies with broader development plans, SDGs, and environmental commitments. Cross-sectoral coordination remains limited in many countries.

• Human rights must anchor digital governance: As technologies like AI and big data scale, ensuring transparency, privacy, and accountability becomes more critical than ever. Ethical frameworks are not optional—they are essential.

• Local innovation and multistakeholderism are key: Whether through community networks, public-private-education partnerships, or national Internet Governance Forums, collaboration is vital to create policies that reflect lived realities.

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📄 Full Report and Executive Summary

To support deeper engagement and policy research, I have compiled a 47-page document covering:

• Session highlights

• Panelist insights and quotes

• Case studies from Asia, Africa, and Europe

• Synthesized policy recommendations

• WSIS+20 reflections and forward-looking actions

An executive summary is also available for quick reference.
📥 [Insert Google Drive or Dropbox link to the summary]
📘 Full report available upon request or in your Google Classroom if you're a student.

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✍️ Why This Matters

As someone deeply engaged in the WSIS and IGF processes for over two decades, I believe WSIS+20 is not a checkpoint—it is a springboard.

We are transitioning into a phase where digital divides will deepen if we do not act with urgency, empathy, and foresight. WSIS has created a normative foundation; now, we must implement these norms through coherent, localized, and rights-based policies.

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🛤️ What’s Next?

In the coming months, I will continue contributing to the WSIS+20 discourse through:

• A forthcoming book manuscript titled “WSIS+20: Reflections, Achievements, and Future Pathways for the Global Information Society”

• Public lectures and seminars on ethical ICT policy design

• Further collaboration with IGF, UNDP, and academic stakeholders to bridge research and implementation gaps

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🙏 Gratitude

My sincere thanks to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the WSIS+20 Secretariat for organizing a vibrant platform that enables multi-actor dialogue at a critical time. Gratitude also goes to my fellow panelists, co-presenter Dr. Ranojit Kumar Dutta, and the participants who enriched the conversation.

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💬 Join the Conversation

I welcome feedback, questions, and collaborative ideas—particularly from:

• Researchers in ICT4D and global governance

• Policymakers and practitioners in developing countries

• Students working on digital inclusion and policy impact

Let’s work together to ensure that the digital future is open, inclusive, and human-centered.

#WSIS20 #DigitalInclusion #InternetGovernance #ICTPolicy #ITU #SDGs #EthicalTech #Bangladesh #WSIS #FutureOfICT #GlobalSouth

 

🎉 Celebrating a Milestone: IJKM’s Impact Factor Rises to 2.1!

Every now and then, in the life of a journal, a moment comes that calls for quiet reflection—and joyful celebration.

It is with great pleasure that I share some exciting news: the International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM) has achieved a significant rise in its Impact Factor, from 1.2 to 2.1 in the latest Journal Citation Reports. 📈

This is more than just a metric—it is a milestone. A signal that our consistent efforts to nurture quality scholarship, foster global dialogue, and promote integrity in publishing are being recognized within the academic community.

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🌍 A Collective Achievement

This success is not mine alone. It belongs to:

• The authors who trusted us with their ideas, inquiries, and groundbreaking research.

• The reviewers whose critical insights upheld the highest standards of peer review.

• The editorial board members who offered their wisdom, guidance, and time.

• The readers and scholars who continue to cite, share, and build upon the work we publish.

To each one of you—thank you. This is your celebration, too.

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💡 Our Vision Remains Unchanged

While metrics like the Impact Factor provide benchmarks of visibility and influence, we have never pursued numbers for their own sake. Instead, our goal remains to:

• Advance meaningful knowledge in the field of knowledge management.

• Encourage ethical and inclusive research, particularly from emerging voices across the globe.

• Maintain transparency and rigor in every aspect of our editorial process.

This milestone only strengthens our resolve to uphold these values.

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📚 Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the road ahead is filled with new challenges and greater responsibilities. The academic publishing world is evolving rapidly—with AI tools, open science movements, and shifts in research evaluation.

At IJKM, we are committed to adapting wisely, embracing innovation, and maintaining the human touch in scholarly communication.

We invite you to continue walking this journey with us—whether as a contributor, reviewer, reader, or collaborator.

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🙏 A Moment of Gratitude

Milestones are not just about celebration—they are reminders. Reminders of how far we’ve come, who helped us get here, and how much more we can still do—together.

To everyone who has been a part of IJKM’s story: thank you for believing in our mission.

Here’s to new questions, stronger networks, and knowledge that makes a difference.

📌 Visit IJKM on IGI Global

#IJKM #ImpactFactor #KnowledgeManagement #AcademicPublishing #ResearchExcellence #Gratitude #IGIGlobal #ScholarlyCommunity #OpenScience

 

Professors vs. Tech: Who Is Shaping the Future of Learning?

In a quiet university café, a curious student once asked her mentor, “Will artificial intelligence replace you someday?”

The professor paused for a moment, looked thoughtfully at his cup, and replied, “It might replace how I deliver lessons, but not how I inspire them.”

This conversation captures a powerful question in the modern education discourse: who is really shaping the future of learning—professors or technology?

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The Rise of Technology in Education

From chalkboards to chatbots, education has undergone a rapid transformation in the past two decades. EdTech is no longer a novelty—it is the backbone of modern learning environments.

• Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and edX have democratized access to world-class learning.

• Tools like ChatGPT, Kahoot, Quillbot, and Turnitin are now used in classrooms to assist in teaching, assessments, and academic integrity.

• According to HolonIQ, global EdTech investment is expected to exceed $404 billion by 2025, reshaping how content is delivered and consumed.

Virtual reality labs, AI tutors, personalized learning dashboards, and automated grading are becoming the new norm.

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But Where Are the Professors?

Despite the surge in automation and digital content, the role of educators remains indispensable.

Professors don’t just teach. They mentor, contextualize, question, provoke thought, encourage debate, and understand emotions—aspects that no algorithm has yet convincingly replicated.

A 2022 report by the World Economic Forum noted that:

“92% of educators globally believe that technology will significantly shape education, but 84% also emphasized the continued importance of human guidance in all learning models.”

In hybrid and flipped classrooms, professors are no longer just content deliverers—they are learning architects, facilitating critical thinking and collaborative exploration.

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Technology as a Tool, Not a Threat

Rather than “Professors vs. Tech,” the narrative must evolve into “Professors with Tech.”

Technology can handle scale, speed, and personalization. Professors can provide judgment, ethics, and empathy. The most impactful learning experiences will emerge from a collaborative ecosystem, where technology supports and enhances the educator’s mission—not replaces it.

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Global Trends to Watch

1. Blended and Hybrid Learning: Combining online flexibility with in-person depth.

2. AI-Powered Personalization: Adaptive learning paths based on student behavior.

3. Microlearning and Modular Credentials: Short, skill-based learning blocks.

4. Global Classrooms: Cross-border education and virtual collaboration.

5. Ethical Challenges: Academic dishonesty, data privacy, and AI bias.

Countries like Finland, Singapore, and South Korea are already integrating technology in ways that preserve the human core of education, offering valuable models to emulate.

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Final Thoughts: A Shared Future

The future of education doesn’t rest solely in silicon chips or seasoned lectures. It lives in the fusion of human intuition and intelligent systems. It is not a competition between professors and machines—but a partnership.

Let us not ask who is shaping the future of learning.

Let us shape it together.

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📌 What’s your view? Can technology truly replace teachers—or only enhance them? Share your thoughts below!

#FutureOfLearning #EdTech #AIinEducation #ProfessorVsTech #HybridLearning #LifelongLearning

 📘 New Milestone Achieved: My Monograph on AI in the Global South Goes to Press!

I am delighted to share a piece of exciting news—my monograph titled “Artificial Intelligence in the Global South: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Pathways” has officially gone to press under LAMBERT Academic Publishing.

This work has been close to my heart for many reasons. Over the past few years, we have witnessed rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence, but often the global discourse has remained concentrated in the Global North. In contrast, regions in the Global South—rich in diversity, talent, and innovation—have received relatively less attention when it comes to AI readiness, ethical concerns, and policy development.

With this monograph, I have attempted to bridge that gap. It explores:

• The unique challenges the Global South faces in adopting and governing AI technologies

• The untapped opportunities that lie in localized innovation, inclusive policies, and grassroots digital transformation

• Strategic pathways for policymakers, academics, and stakeholders to navigate the complexities of AI governance in developing contexts

This has been both a professional and personal journey—intersecting research, policy thinking, and a vision for equitable technological progress.

I sincerely thank everyone who has inspired and encouraged me along this path. I hope the publication will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing global conversation on responsible and inclusive AI.

Looking forward to sharing the published version with you all soon!

🔗 Stay tuned for updates and the release link.
📬 Feel free to reach out if you'd like to know more or collaborate on related initiatives.

#ArtificialIntelligence #GlobalSouth #AIEquity #TechnologyAndSociety #NewPublication #Policy #DigitalInclusion #AIForAll