TLDR: Jazz, in partnership with UNESCO, recently hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue in Pakistan titled ‘AI for Humanity: Ethical and Inclusive AI in Pakistan.’ The event brought together various sectors to discuss AI innovation and governance, focusing on Pakistan’s draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. The discussions emphasized integrating ethical frameworks into national strategies and ensuring a human-centered, rights-based approach to AI development.
Jazz, a leading telecommunications company, in collaboration with UNESCO, recently convened a significant multi-stakeholder dialogue in Pakistan, focusing on the ethical and inclusive development of Artificial Intelligence. The event, titled ‘AI for Humanity: Ethical and Inclusive AI in Pakistan,’ gathered key representatives from the private and public sectors, civil society, academia, and media. The primary objective was to deliberate on Pakistan’s draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, particularly from the perspective of the AI Innovation Ecosystem.
This dialogue is part of a broader series of technical engagements facilitated by UNESCO, designed to thoroughly examine the six strategic pillars of Pakistan’s nascent AI policy. The overarching goal is to ensure that the country’s approach to AI governance is inclusive and rights-based.
Ms. Fatima Akhtar, VP Corporate Communications & ESG at Jazz, underscored the importance of a collaborative approach in her welcome remarks. She stated, ‘The future of AI in Pakistan must be shaped by a broad coalition of voices—where innovation is balanced with inclusion, and growth goes hand-in-hand with governance. At Jazz, we believe responsible AI development starts with ethical foundations, and we’re proud to support platforms like this that ensure no one is left behind in our digital evolution.’
Dr. Aneel Salman, a Policy & Governance Expert, provided crucial context regarding Pakistan’s policy landscape, highlighting the urgent need to embed ethical frameworks within national strategies. He emphasized the demographic potential of Pakistan, stating, ‘AI will not transform Pakistan until Pakistanis are ready to shape it. We are sitting on a demographic goldmine. But without AI skills, it’s just potential. This pillar is how we turn more than 224 million people into a million digital assets.’
Mr. Hamza Khan Swati, National Professional Officer, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO Pakistan, further highlighted the relevance of UNESCO’s global normative work. He referenced the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and the Readiness Assessment Methodology for AI, both of which advocate for transparency, human rights, and international cooperation in AI development.
The discussions during the dialogue also delved into critical themes such as institutional preparedness, the robustness of digital infrastructure, and the imperative for capacity-building initiatives. These elements are deemed essential for the safe and ethical deployment of AI across various sectors in Pakistan. The event also drew upon global best practices, including UNESCO’s capacity-building Programme on AI and the Rule of Law, and the AI Competency Framework piloted under the UN Broadband Commission.
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The dialogue concluded with the formulation of key policy insights. These insights are intended to contribute directly to the ongoing consultations for Pakistan’s National AI Policy, aiming to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and uphold human dignity and ethical standards in the rapidly evolving digital era.
