Islamabad: Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) and United Nations University (UNU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Indus AI Week 2026 to launch Project GovAI, a scalable Digital Micro-Learning and Upskilling Program for civil and public servants. Coordinated by UNU-EGOV, the initiative will leverage expertise across the UNU network, including UNU-IAS in Tokyo, UNU-MERIT in Maastricht, and the UNU Institute in Macao, among others.
GovAI aims to upskill over one million Pakistani civil servants in AI and digital capabilities by 2028. This program aligns with PDA’s leadership in implementing the five-year Digital Master Plan, focusing on building the capability layer necessary to deliver modern, trusted, and efficient digital public services. The MoU outlines a time-bound discovery and testing phase to design learning frameworks, run pilot programs—including micro-trainings, webinars, and e-learning modules—and validate localisation, engagement, and measurement strategies. It also aims to produce an evidence-based model to inform future scale-up and sustainability.
The partnership reflects the global economic stakes of AI adoption. According to the IMF, AI has the potential to boost productivity and economic growth, with generative AI projected to add US$ 2.6–4.4 trillion annually and lift global GDP by up to 7% over time. PDA and UNU intend for GovAI to evolve into a reusable, sustainable digital public good, offering modular learning pathways, implementation playbooks, and governance approaches adaptable by other countries for responsible AI capacity building in government.
Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted the initiative’s significance: “AI is a national priority for Pakistan. With this MoU, GovAI will build practical skills across the public sector, reduce bureaucracy, improve ease of doing business, and widen access to services for all citizens. This is how we accelerate inclusive growth and deliver a future-ready Digital Nation Pakistan under the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister.”
Mohammad J Sear, Vice Chairperson of PDA, added: “Digital transformation is accelerating rapidly. GovAI will equip our civil service with practical AI skills and governance capabilities needed to implement the Digital Master Plan and improve services for people and businesses across Pakistan.”
UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala emphasized the global significance of the initiative: “AI is reshaping development pathways. Building public sector capacity to use AI responsibly is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, advancing the Global Digital Compact, and strengthening international cooperation for sustainable development.”
Delfina Soares, Director of UNU-EGOV, added: “Sustainable and inclusive transformation depends on governance and capacity, not technology alone. GovAI will focus on the skills, institutional practices, and trust foundations that turn AI into measurable public value and socio-economic progress.”
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