Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming global economies, and Pakistan stands at the cusp of leveraging this technology to foster inclusive development. By integrating AI into various sectors, Pakistan aims to address socio-economic challenges, promote sustainable growth and bridge existing disparities.

The United Nations has recognized the potential of AI to drive inclusive development, particularly through initiatives led by the UNDP and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized AI's role in achieving the SDGs, calling for ethical AI governance that benefits all. This is particularly relevant for Pakistan, which faces severe climate injustice. Recall the 2022 floods, described as the worst in the country’s history that affected over 33 million people and caused damages exceeding US$30 billion. AI-driven disaster management tools—such as predictive analytics, satellite monitoring and early warning systems—can play a critical role in mitigating future climate-related disasters, helping Pakistan build resilience and better allocate resources in disaster-prone areas.

Ethical AI Governance: A Crucial Consideration

As AI continues to advance at an exponential rate, it serves both as a potential disruptor and a critical enabler of sustainable development. While technological advancements are no longer a bottleneck, the biggest concerns remain human-centric— ensuring its ethical use, governance, and alignment with human values. Ethical AI is an all-encompassing issue, influencing decision-making, governance structures, technological capacity-building and inclusiveness. Pakistan’s strategic roadmap for AI must clearly define its scope to address these concerns and incorporate guiding principles for the entire AI lifecycle.

The digital divide presents another challenge, leading to disparities in AI adoption across countries. I remember working as Chief Technical Advisor at UNDP headquarters in New York, in 2021 when Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak. From the over 200 digital responses to COVID-19 that UNDP supported globally, fewer than 20 were AI-enabled—six involving AI/machine learning and 11 using chatbots—largely due to gaps in digital connectivity and capacity in developing nations. 

In terms of connectivity challenges, Pakistan has a digital divide as well. To bridge this gap, Pakistan must collaborate with international development partners such as the UN agencies and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Engaging with the UN’s High-Level Panel for Digital Cooperation’s recommendations on digital capacity development including, conducting mapping exercises, establishing multi-stakeholder networks and creating joint facilities. Such combined efforts can enable Pakistan to strengthen its AI ecosystem.

Pakistan can also actively participate in global initiatives like ‘The Partnership on AI to Benefit People and Society’, which brings together non-profit organizations, industries and academic institutions to establish best practices for the ethical use of AI. Such international cooperation will help Pakistan build an AI ecosystem that is equitable, transparent and aligned with global ethical standards.