Pakistan’s Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, underscored the need for ethical AI governance, data security, and digital inclusivity during the DCO Ministerial Panel at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Speaking at one of the most significant global technology gatherings, the minister outlined Pakistan’s vision for responsible AI implementation, emphasizing multilateral cooperation to shape a fair and inclusive digital future.
The panel, titled Shaping the Future of Ethical AI: Multilateral Perspectives on Governance and Risk Management, was hosted by H.E. Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). It brought together global technology leaders and policymakers to discuss regulatory approaches and risk management strategies essential for ethical AI development. The discussion revolved around the balance between AI innovation and governance, ensuring that the technology serves humanity without exacerbating existing societal inequalities.
During her address, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted the profound impact of AI on economies, governance, and social structures. She called for a strong global regulatory framework to prevent AI misuse, stressing the importance of ethical guidelines that prioritize fairness, transparency, and accountability. She also pointed out that AI-driven systems must be designed to eliminate biases and ensure equal opportunities, especially for marginalized communities in developing nations.
Data security and privacy remained central to her remarks. Minister Shaza expressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI models handling sensitive user data, advocating for robust data protection measures and stronger cybersecurity protocols. She emphasized that governments and tech companies must work together to develop stringent AI regulations that safeguard individual privacy while enabling innovation.
A key focus of her address was digital inclusivity. Minister Shaza highlighted the challenges faced by developing economies in adopting AI and digital technologies, stressing the need for global cooperation to bridge the digital divide. She called for more investment in capacity-building programs, digital literacy initiatives, and infrastructure development to ensure that AI benefits reach underprivileged populations. She also urged for AI applications to be designed with accessibility in mind, making them usable for individuals with disabilities and those in remote areas.
Addressing AI’s environmental impact, the minister emphasized the importance of sustainability in AI development. She warned that the rapid expansion of AI technologies comes with a significant carbon footprint, urging the global tech community to prioritize eco-friendly AI models and green computing solutions. She reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to supporting AI research and innovation while ensuring that sustainability remains a core principle in technology adoption.
Pakistan’s approach to AI governance was also a major highlight of the discussion. Minister Shaza reaffirmed the country’s commitment to developing a comprehensive AI policy that integrates technological advancement with ethical safeguards. She outlined Pakistan’s AI roadmap, which includes leveraging AI to enhance public services, boost economic productivity, and drive digital transformation in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and governance.
Concluding her address, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized the urgent need for international collaboration in shaping ethical AI policies. She called upon governments, businesses, and technology leaders to collectively establish a global governance framework that promotes responsible AI use while fostering innovation and economic growth. She stressed that AI should not be controlled by a select few but should serve as a tool for inclusive progress, empowering societies and individuals alike.
The minister’s participation in the DCO Ministerial Panel at LEAP 2025 reaffirmed Pakistan’s proactive role in global technology discussions. As AI continues to shape the future, her message resonated as a call for ethical responsibility, urging nations to work together in ensuring that AI serves as a force for good, driving innovation while upholding fairness, transparency, and sustainability.
