PM champions AI-driven future

Tells FII human advancement not possible in isolation

RIYADH:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, called for collective global efforts and partnerships to overcome the contemporary challenges, stressing no single country could harness the potential of tomorrow without the support of others.

The prime minister arrived in Riyadh on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. On the first day of his visit, Shehbaz addressed the 8th edition of two-day Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh and held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud.

The FII, dubbed 'Davos in the Desert', opened its eighth edition under theme of 'Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow' with focuses on global investments to address major issues such as artificial intelligence, robotics, education, energy, space, finance, healthcare, and sustainability.

In his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored the importance of a knowledge-based economy, driven by innovation in domains of artificial intelligence (AI), education and health. He said that Pakistan stood ready to join those who dare to dream big.

"We invite you to invest, to bring your expertise and creativity to Pakistan, as we build a future, rooted in resilience and shared prosperity," he said. He added that Pakistan was on a transformative journey; a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of stability and growth.

At the conference, the participants engaged in the dialogue for the promotion of investment and a sustainable future while highlighting the strength of their respective economies. Eh discussions focused on AI, robotics, education, energy, space, public health, and sustainable development.

Citing a future course for Pakistan, the prime minister said that the country was laying the foundation for a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation in three pivotal domains – AI, education, and health – and looked forward to forging useful partnerships in these areas.

"AI is more than a trend; it's a force revolutionising economies, societies, and industries. At this critical juncture, Pakistan is not just embracing AI, we are committed to excelling in it," he said. However, he stressed that he was encourage young minds to redefine the boundaries of the AI.

He stressed the need for training skilled engineers and data scientists, who were the backbone of Pakistan's AI growth, and equipping them to harness the power of AI across industries. "Pakistan envisions AI as a force for good, free from biases."

Inspired by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, championed by Crown Prince Mohammed, Shehbaz said Pakistan shared a common mission – invest in their youth to shape the future. "Talented, resilient, and armed with an untiring spirit, they are now ready to take on the emerging challenges," he praised the youth.

"This journey is not just ours, it's a call to our friends across the world. We are stronger together, we can shape a future defined by innovation, prosperity, and success," he said, adding that in this pursuit, "it is our persistent endeavor" to empower our youth with digital inclusivity and the tools they need to thrive.

"Today, these graduates aren't just students; they are builders of tomorrow as doctors, engineers, and innovators. They are pioneers, driving progress and uplifting their communities, a testament to the transformative power of accessible education," he said.

"Their success stories reinforce my belief that education is a true equaliser and a game-changer for individuals and nations alike," he observed. He highlighted that Pakistan's healthcare sector was home to over 275,000 registered doctors with their youth pioneering new health-tech solutions.

"As we look toward these infinite horizons and unpack our potential, one truth becomes clear: the future of human advancement doesn't lie in isolation, it lies in collaboration in working together for win-win outcomes," he stressed.

The prime minister expressed the hope that as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia moved towards new realms of possibility, from their shared heritage to the frontiers of innovation, this partnership might shine as a beacon for all. "Let this be our legacy: a commitment to a vision that transcends borders…"

He said that as he stood in Riyadh, a city that had evolved from a desert oasis into a global metropolis, he was inspired by a vision that resonated beyond borders, a vision of limitless possibilities, where the choices they made today set the course for a future they dreamt of.

Referring to the situation in Gaza, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphatically stated that the dream of progress and prosperity would never be fulfilled and transformed into action unless peace was restored in Gaza and bloodshed immediately stopped over there.

Later in the day, Shehbaz met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman. He appreciated the Kingdom's support for the economic revival and stability in Pakistan, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office Media Wing.

During the meeting, the two leaders took stock of the ongoing bilateral engagements, especially in the follow-up to the decisions in previous high-level meetings in Makkah and Riyadh in April. He apprised the crown prince of Pakistan's economic, institutional and policy reforms agenda.

The prime minster said that Saudi Arabia had a central role in Pakistan' future economic plans. He appreciated the Saudi efforts to promote regional peace and stability in the Middle East and reiterated Pakistan's unwavering commitment to standby the Kingdom in these efforts.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and agreed to closely coordinate positions on regional issues. The prime minister conveyed best wishes for the health and well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

Shehbaz arrived in Riyadh early on Tuesday. Riyadh Province Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrehman bin Abdulaziz received the prime minister at the King Khalid International Airport. Pakistan's ambassador and senior Saudi officials were also present at the airport.

After his arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz took to X saying, "Just landed in the beautiful city of Riyadh at the invitation of my brother HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to participate in the 8th Future Investment Initiative Conference."

He said that he looked forward to attend this impressive gathering of political, business and corporate world leaders to shape a better future for all. In his meetings with the Saudi leadership, he added, he would reaffirm "our common desire to further cement Pak-KSA ties".