Pakistani scientist and international science leader Prof. Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro has urged developing nations to embrace AI-driven industrial transformation as a catalyst for sustainable economic progress. Speaking at the World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF-2025) in Beijing, he stressed that artificial intelligence, when combined with strategic policymaking and education reform, can help bridge the technological divide between developed and developing countries.
Delivering his keynote presentation titled “AI-Driven Industrial Transformation in the Developing World,” Prof. Soomro emphasized that the ultimate goal of economic development should be the welfare of people rather than the pursuit of wealth accumulation. He pointed out that while all UN member states are committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, many developing countries continue to face obstacles such as fragmented ecosystems, limited infrastructure, and inadequate institutional coordination. These gaps, he said, hinder the effective deployment of AI and other advanced technologies that could otherwise transform industries and public systems.
Prof. Soomro highlighted that initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have played a key role in strengthening economic cooperation through infrastructure-led development over the past decade. He noted that the BRI now spans more than 150 countries and holds vast potential for trade and industrial advancement if member states integrate innovative digital technologies. “There is a dire need to build conducive ecosystems that combine STEM education, particularly engineering, with policy, financing, and operational frameworks,” he remarked. “AI-driven transformation without human resource development and institutional readiness cannot deliver sustained industrial growth.” His recommendations included establishing integrated ecosystems that promote policy support, vocational and technical education, research collaboration, and cross-border innovation partnerships.
Prof. Soomro’s address received strong acknowledgment from the global scientific community attending the event. He underscored that developing nations, including Pakistan, should prioritize human capital development and ensure that technological adoption is underpinned by skilled labor and local innovation. His ideas align with broader international goals of fostering inclusive industrialization and ensuring that AI benefits are equitably shared across societies.
The WSTDF-2025, organized by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) with support from the International Science Council (ISC), was held under the theme “AI for Science and Development (AI4SD).” The three-day forum brought together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders for discussions on topics such as AI and future industries, green technologies, medical-engineering integration, and open science collaboration. Prof. Soomro, a former Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) and current Advisor and Founding President of the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), continues to represent Pakistan at several high-level scientific platforms. He also serves as Vice President of the Belt and Road International Science Education Consortium (BRISEC) and Honorary Professor at China Agricultural University (CAU) and Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU).
Recognized internationally for his contributions to science, Prof. Soomro has received multiple honors, including the French Republic’s Order of Academic Palms in 2013 and the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2020. His pioneering research in plant pathology, particularly in diagnosing and managing the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) epidemic that struck Pakistan in the 1990s, has had a lasting impact on agricultural sustainability. Despite his global recognition, it has been noted with surprise by the scientific community that Prof. Soomro has not yet received a National Civil Award in Pakistan.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
