ISLAMABAD: The ANSO-COMSATS International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Enabled Solutions for Sustainable Water Governance, Security and Safety concluded successfully in Islamabad, marking the end of a four-day event dedicated to exploring AI’s role in addressing water challenges. The conference was organized by the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and was co-funded by the CAS-ANSO Conference Grant.

According to Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South, the event’s closing ceremony featured H.E. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, as the Chief Guest. She emphasized the importance of the conference in exploring AI’s transformative potential for tackling water safety issues, especially in the context of Pakistan’s recent experiences with catastrophic floods and ongoing water scarcity challenges. Alam reiterated the government’s commitment to integrating climate resilience into national policies and utilizing AI for a more secure water future.

The Executive Director of COMSATS, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, expressed gratitude to ANSO for financing the conference, highlighting the necessity of a collective approach to water challenges, particularly among developing countries. Zakaria urged participants to turn the insights gathered from the conference into concrete actions and reaffirmed COMSATS’ dedication to fostering collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing among member states.

The conference, hosted by Prof. Dr. Junaid Mughal of CUI, brought together 34 experts from various countries including Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Jordan, Jamaica, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. The event featured seven technical sessions, hands-on training in AI tools, panel discussions, and technical visits to local research facilities. It drew participation from 54 scientists, researchers, and professionals from about 20 Pakistani organizations, over 200 students from CUI, and approximately 300 online participants.