Senator Anusha Rehman represented Pakistan at the historic launch of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance organized under the auspices of the United Nations. Addressing delegates, she underscored the urgency of creating a global framework that ensures AI systems are safe, secure, and trustworthy while remaining consistent with international human rights laws and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She said the Dialogue must become a practical instrument that bridges knowledge and capacity gaps for developing countries by providing tailored policy advice, training opportunities, and open access to resources.
Senator Rehman called for equity in AI innovation, stressing the need for technology transfers and affordable access to digital infrastructure so that developing nations are not left behind. She emphasized that access to quality datasets and critical data is central to ensuring fair participation in the AI-driven future. To secure sustainable financing and capacity-building, she proposed the creation of a United Nations Artificial Intelligence Fund. Such a mechanism, she explained, would allow countries with limited resources to benefit from structured international support in strengthening their AI readiness and policy environments.
Her remarks also addressed the importance of inclusive representation within the Dialogue, noting that outcomes must reflect regional realities. She urged that developing countries must be given a strong voice in deliberations and decision-making panels. At the same time, she warned of the societal risks posed by the misuse of AI, particularly in areas such as privacy violations, deepfakes, misinformation, and biased data applications. She drew attention to the need for safeguarding vulnerable groups, including children, youth, and the elderly, by strengthening regulations that protect personal freedoms and raising public awareness of emerging threats.
Highlighting Pakistan’s own advancements, Senator Rehman pointed to the adoption of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025, which provides a roadmap to harness AI for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The policy focuses on building human capital, upgrading infrastructure, and instituting strong regulatory frameworks to protect personal data while ensuring the responsible use of emerging technologies. She affirmed that Pakistan remains committed to working constructively with the United Nations, its agencies, and international partners to ensure AI serves as a driver of shared prosperity and the common public good.
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