Islamabad, – Amid the International Day of Education 2025 celebrations, the Federal Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted an inspiring conference in Islamabad. Centered on the theme, “Bridging the Education Divide: Linking Education to National and Economic Development,” the event also embraced the global theme, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI in education.
Speaking at the occasion, Professor Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives highlighted that Pakistan faces severe educational challenges, including out-of-school children, infrastructure gaps, and teacher shortages. The country aims to address these through reforms, digitization, and a modernized, inclusive curriculum. The Minister outlined the government’s roadmap for education reform under the Uraan Pakistan initiative, which includes the introduction of a dedicated teacher training institute to improve pedagogical standards, establishing digital learning platforms to enhance access to quality education in remote areas, encouraging public-private partnerships to bridge funding gaps and expand educational outreach, and ensuring transparency and meritocracy in educational governance through automation and policy reforms.
Mr. Antony Kar Hung Tam, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan, highlighted in his remarks the need for addressing gender and digital divides in Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of ensuring relevance, adopting a multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder approach, and strengthening monitoring and learning when addressing the national education emergency and transforming education in Pakistan.
The event showcased the District Education Performance Index (DEPIx) as a vital tool for advancing evidence-based policymaking, resource allocation, and governance transparency in education. Federal and provincial representatives shared progress on initiatives to integrate education into national development, addressing critical challenges of access, quality, and equity. During the panel discussion, delegates emphasized education’s transformative role in economic growth, highlighting the importance of improved governance, teacher training, and strategic integration of AI in the sector.
The event, graced by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, brought together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Provincial Education Departments, UNESCO, National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, civil society organizations, and key leaders from federal education institutions, including Vice Chancellors and Principals.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.