On September 30, P@SHA CEC Member and Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Dr. Sonia Saleem, represented Pakistan at the Bett Asia Ministerial and Policy Leaders Roundtable held in Malaysia. Supported by the UNESCO Global Education Coalition and organized in partnership with the UK Government, the roundtable brought together leaders to discuss how digital transformation in education can be sustainable, inclusive, and centered on human needs. The event provided an opportunity for countries to share experiences and strategies while exploring ways to ensure that technology contributes to accessible and equitable education systems worldwide.
Dr. Sonia Saleem emphasized the importance of aligning international best practices with Pakistan’s local education needs. She highlighted that the shift toward digital education must not exclude learners who are already disadvantaged, stressing that policies and strategies should address accessibility across both rural and urban areas. She noted that technology in education should not simply be about infrastructure or devices, but about building systems that genuinely enhance learning outcomes for all students. Her remarks underscored that inclusivity should be at the heart of digital transformation to ensure no child is left behind in the evolving education landscape.
A central part of the discussion at Bett Asia was the Six Pillars Framework for digital transformation in education, developed under the UNESCO Global Education Coalition. The framework emphasizes the need for a holistic approach, integrating areas such as teacher readiness, digital content, accessibility, and policy alignment. Participants at the roundtable discussed how these pillars can serve as guiding principles for countries aiming to create sustainable and effective digital education systems. By engaging with this framework, Pakistan is able to draw from global insights while tailoring strategies to its unique demographic and infrastructural realities.
This participation marks another step in Pakistan’s engagement with global education networks and highlights P@SHA’s role in advocating for technology that strengthens learning and teaching. The roundtable also provided opportunities for dialogue on how public and private sectors can collaborate to ensure that digital transformation is not just about technological progress but about meaningful educational impact. For Pakistan, representation at such forums allows key stakeholders to bring back insights that can shape national strategies and ensure that the digital transition supports equity, resilience, and empowerment within the education sector.
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