Islamabad, [Staff Report]: As the world grapples with the imminent threat of climate change, the fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability emerges as a beacon of hope. Esteemed experts converged at the “AI for Sustainable Future: Its Role in Ethical Policies and Climate Resilience” conference, a collaborative effort between the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) and the Center of Pakistan & International Relations (COPAIR).
The conference encompassed two insightful sessions: “Exploring AI- Benefits, Ethics, and Policy Considerations” and “From Data to Action: AI and LLM’s Role in Shaping Climate Action and Finance Strategies.”
During the inaugural session, Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan, President of COPAIR, emphasized that the paramount goal must be the advancement of humanity, transcending mere technological advancement. She elucidated how AI could serve as a catalyst for positive transformation in combatting the escalating climate crisis.
In her discourse, Ms. Mehreen Afzal, Director of Security and GRC for the National CERT project of NTISB, underscored the criticality of AI governance, highlighting its potential to reinforce threat detection and defense mechanisms, while shedding light on the emerging national security challenges posed by AI-driven cyber threats.
Mr. Yasar Ayaz, the Founding Chairman and Central Project Director of NCAI, delved into AI frameworks encompassing AI-enabled industries, applications, and infrastructure. He further accentuated the merits of AI alongside ethical considerations like privacy, data governance, transparency, and fairness.
Ms. Saira Siddique, Founder and CEO of MedIQ, shed light on the substantial role of AI within healthcare. She posited that AI holds the potential to significantly enhance diagnostic precision and treatment planning in the healthcare sector.
In the subsequent session, André Ferreira, a data scientist at TransitionZero, underscored the significance of intelligent electric grids for effective sustainable energy management. He elaborated that institutions seeking to bolster climate investments necessitate comprehensive analysis of net-zero transitions, augmented by AI and LLMs.
Mr. Adnan Reshi, representing BaKhabar Kissan, emphasized the urgency of developing robust critical infrastructure to provide accurate weather information. He highlighted the importance of public-private collaborations in elevating responses to meteorological disasters.
Ms. Safa Baig, from atomcamp, articulated the importance of incorporating green infrastructure in urban environments to combat the urban heat island effect. She further addressed the strain on Pakistan’s traffic system, advocating for the adoption of smart traffic management systems as part of a comprehensive solution.
The conference underscored the critical need for AI-driven initiatives to combat climate change and forge a sustainable future. As experts and thought leaders converge, the intersection of AI and ethical policies emerges as a formidable force against the challenges posed by climate change.