Pakistan, Tajikistan Urge Inclusive AI for Sustainable Development at UN

UNITED NATIONS, July 15: Pakistan and Tajikistan called for inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence (AI) at a high-level UN event, emphasizing that equitable access to AI is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted Pakistan’s investment in AI and youth, including the allocation of Rs. 40.58 billion for the PMYP in 2026–27 and the National AI Policy aimed at training one million AI professionals by 2030.

In his closing remarks, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, stressed the need for ethical, transparent and responsible AI governance, warning that unequal access to AI could widen the digital divide. Participants also underscored the importance of international cooperation and youth empowerment to ensure AI supports inclusive and sustainable development.