New York: Permanent Missions of Pakistan and Tajikistan at the United Nations, along with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, organized a high-level discussion on artificial intelligence at the UN Headquarters. In his keynote address, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, highlighted Pakistan’s initiatives to use AI as a tool for youth empowerment and national development. The Pakistani government has allocated 40.58 billion rupees to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme for the current financial year, demonstrating its commitment to preparing the country’s youth for an AI-driven economy.

According to Radio Pakistan, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan further elaborated on Pakistan’s long-term AI vision, which includes a National Artificial Intelligence Policy aiming to train one million AI professionals and 10,000 AI trainers by 2030. The policy focuses on expanding AI education, research, and innovation across the nation.

Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan, addressed AI’s potential in advancing sustainable development. He emphasized equitable access, capacity-building, and international cooperation as vital components to bridging the digital divide.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasized the need for strong international partnerships to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared equitably. He highlighted the role AI can play in fostering greater inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development globally.