Gates Foundation lauds Pakistan’s digital transformation

ISLAMABAD, Sep 10: A high-level delegation of the Gates Foundation called on Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Thursday and agreed to deepen cooperation in key technology and development areas. The delegation was led by Dr Kalpana Kochhar, Interim President of the Global Policy and Advocacy Division, and Dr Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division of the Gates Foundation. During the meeting, Shaza Fatima highlighted the government’s flagship Digital Nation Pakistan agenda. She said the initiative would help promote inclusive digital growth, modernise public service delivery and build a strong digital economy. The minister stressed that international partnerships, particularly with the Gates Foundation, were important for achieving the vision of a digitally empowered Pakistan. The delegation appreciated Pakistan’s progress in digital transformation in recent years, particularly the reforms and initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, data systems, health technology, financial inclusion, capacity building and technology-driven development.