17th June 2025. Concerted efforts for Digital Transformation, aimed at ensuring an equitable and inclusive society, was called for at an international webinar organized by the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS). The event was held with support of a number of international organizations, R&D and academic institutions, as well as industry, to commemorate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025.
H.E. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Government of Pakistan, graced the event as Chief Guest. During her remarks, she stated that the digital revolution has unleashed unprecedented opportunities for sustainable development, and the related technologies are driving innovation, efficiency, and economic growth across various sectors and industries. She highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to promote inclusive digital growth. She highlighted the Digital Pakistan Policy which aims to transform the country into a digitally empowered nation by fostering a dynamic digital society, robust digital economy, and efficient digital governance. Minister Shaza underscored the significance of international partnerships and cooperative digital ecosystems, and lauded COMSATS’ efforts in this regard.
Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, the President of Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (Thailand), addressed the audience, and highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation for reaping dividends of digital transformation.
Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS, while sharing his thoughts, stressed the urgency of ensuring digital inclusion through infrastructure development, skills training, and strategic collaboration at regional and global scale. He reaffirmed COMSATS’ commitment to optimally utilizing digital technologies, such as AI, IoT, blockchain, quantum computing, next-gen connectivity for bringing about equitable socio-economic development in the Global South.
The Webinar had Speakers and Panelists representing a number of organizations including, International Telecommunication Union (ITU); GDIP; NSTDA-Thailand, TUBITAK-Türkiye; TIRDO-Tanzania; NADRA-Pakistan, SALT-Australia; AIU-Syria; Linked Things-Pakistan; and JBS-Pakistan.
The subject experts shared perspectives on emerging technologies and practical digital solutions, covering a wide range of topics, including IoT Technologies, Blockchain Solutions, AI-powered Healthcare Management, e-education, Digital Identity Systems, e-Governance, and Whole-of-government approach to Digital Transformation. The event attracted about 140 participants from around the world, including Afghanistan, Egypt, Ghana, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkiye, USA and Yemen.
The webinar featured a discussion by Panelists on ‘Gender Equality in Digital Transformation’ that suggested practical ways to advancing inclusive digital ecosystems by addressing barriers to gender inclusiveness and leadership in the tech sector.
