Pakistan Launches Gender-Responsive AI School with UN Women

Pakistan has launched the UN Women Gender-Responsive AI School Pakistan to promote the responsible, ethical, and inclusive use of artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative has been launched by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in collaboration with UN Women Pakistan and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The new AI School aims to build the capacity of policymakers, government officials, parliamentarians, educational institutions, civil society and the private sector. It will focus on helping these stakeholders understand and apply AI in a responsible and gender-sensitive way.

Pakistan Launches Gender-Responsive AI School with UN Women

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that AI will become an important pillar of the future economy and development. She said people who learn to use modern technologies effectively will be better positioned to benefit from future jobs and economic opportunities.

The minister also highlighted the need to ensure equal participation of women and girls in Pakistan’s growing digital economy. She said the government is taking steps to improve digital connectivity, access to information and digital payment opportunities for women.

According to the ministry, the initiative will help create greater awareness about the impact of AI on different groups in society. It will also encourage stakeholders to consider gender equality when developing and using AI-based technologies and policies.

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During the ceremony, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and UN Women Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize the AI School in the country. The agreement will support the long-term development of training and capacity-building programs related to gender-responsive AI.

With the launch, Pakistan has become the first country in South Asia to host the full national Training of Trainers programme of the UN Women AI School. The programme will also help develop a network of trained professionals who can further share knowledge and skills with institutions and communities across the country.

The initiative comes as AI continues to influence workplaces, education, public services and the wider economy. By focusing on responsible and gender-responsive AI, Pakistan aims to ensure that women and girls are not left behind as the country expands its digital economy.