Ahsan Iqbal underscores pivotal role of artificial intelligence & emerging technologies

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The United Nations Resident newly designated Coordinator in Pakistan Mohamed Yahya paid a courtesy called on the Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad on Thursday.

Talking to Mohammad Yahya, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the strong and enduring relationship between Pakistan and the United Nations.

“We have a robust bond with UN agencies, and the United Nations has always stood by us during challenging times, such as climate disasters,” he said.

The minister also appreciated the UN’s significant efforts in assisting Pakistan during the 2022 floods and highlighted that, in response, the Ministry of Planning, in collaboration with policymakers, developed the 4RF framework to enhance the Country’s resilience against any catastrophic situations.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the significance of the newly established Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Secretariat which will become operational from July 01, 2024.

“Our focus now needs to be on engaging policymakers to achieve our SDG targets and involving media professionals to spotlight critical issues related to the SDGs,” he stated.

The federal minister further underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in driving progress.

“The Country that fails to embrace these advancements will lag significantly behind,” the minister noted.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s commitment to the SDGs, he maintains Pakistan was among first few Countries to have adopted SDGs agenda in National Assembly in 2016 as our national agenda. To meet our future goals and foster growth, we believe in making SGGs a collective priority on both individual as well as institutional level.

Mohammad Yahya expressed gratitude for the government’s support and further suggested the urgency of the remaining six years to achieve the SDGs.

“We must work closely on data collection, adopting new technologies, providing training, and focusing on rehabilitation and reopening of schools,” he said.

Yahya commended the government’s “5Es” initiative, noting its alignment with key areas of growth.

As a gesture of appreciation, Mohammad Yahya presented a souvenir to Ahsan Iqbal, marking the beginning of a renewed and strengthened collaboration between Pakistan and the United Nations.