ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (DNA):A three-day international conference on artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental protection concluded in Karachi the other day, with Pakistani and international scientists and academics calling for the responsible use of AI to address climate change, protect ecosystems and promote sustainable development,according to a press release received here
The conference, titled “Smart Solutions for a Green Future: AI in Ecosystem and Climate Action 2026”, was held from October 27 to 29 at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, and jointly organised by the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) and the China-based Alliance of National and International Science Organizations (ANSO).
Former Federal Minister for Science and Technology Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, FUUAST Vice Chancellor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, ICCBS Director General Dr Raza Shah and Chinese Professor Dr Hong addressed the opening session.
In his keynote address, Dr Atta-ur-Rahman said that artificial intelligence, despite being a product of human intelligence, had emerged as a transformative reality, creating new opportunities in education, business and other sectors. He stressed that researchers and teachers must develop AI-related skills to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari said FUUAST is making efforts to remain aligned with emerging scientific research and technological developments.
He recalled that the University’s Islamabad campus had organized a Green Journalism Conference in June through its Department of Mass Communication, describing the current gathering as an important academic and scientific initiative.
Addressing the concluding ceremony, Dr Shinwari appreciated the university faculty’s efforts in organizing the international event. He also delivered a special scientific lecture titled “Ecosystem to South-South Cooperation”.
Chinese Professor Dr Hong, Director General of the China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre for Geology, said China is keen to promote scientific advancement and environmental protection in Pakistan and welcomed young Pakistani scholars to Chinese research institutions.
Describing Pakistan as a remarkable country, he said Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari is presenting Pakistan’s scientific and academic face to the international community.
Former head of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and renowned scientist Dr Qasim Jan discussed the applications of artificial intelligence in geology, while psychologists Iqbal Afridi and Ubaid Ali also shared their perspectives during the concluding session.
FUUAST Deputy Chair of Senate Qazi Abdul Muqtadir said the conference addressed the demands of the present era and appreciated the vice chancellor and faculty members for their efforts to advance scientific and intellectual development.
ICCBS head Dr Raza Khan termed the conference beneficial for students and researchers from diverse academic disciplines and expressed satisfaction over hosting a major international academic gathering at the institute.
Researchers and faculty members from Quaid-i-Azam University, the University of Haripur, FUUAST Islamabad and other universities and research institutions presented research papers, while students showcased their work through research posters.
The three-day event featured discussions on artificial intelligence, environmental protection, biological sciences, green journalism and related fields, alongside an interactive discussion among senior professors.
International students and scholars from several countries also participated.
The conference declaration underscored that AI had become an essential tool of the modern era, but stressed that its safe, ethical and responsible application must remain a priority.
It called for greater use of AI in environmental monitoring, agricultural advancement, conservation of natural resources and developing practical solutions to emerging environmental and climate-related challenges.
