ISLAMABAD, Oct 27 (APP):A three-day international conference on artificial intelligence (AI), ecosystems and climate action began at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), on Tuesday.
The conference, titled “Smart Solutions for a Green Future: AI in Ecosystems and Climate Action 2026,” is being jointly organized by the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), ICCBS, Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Alliance of National and International Science Organizations, China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre on Earth Sciences and other national and international scientific organisations, said a press release.
Addressing the inaugural session, FUUAST Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari welcomed the national and international delegates and highlighted the role of AI in environmental protection, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
He also appreciated the participation of women researchers. Dr. Shinwari emphasized the students and faculty members to groom themselves as per the demands of the AI era. He argued that the faculty of Federal Urdu University is focusing research in Biological and environmental Sciences.
Former federal minister for science and technology Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rahman called for greater investment in research and development in Pakistan.
He said the country spends less than 0.2 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on research and development, adding that the investment should be increased tenfold.
He said AI is bringing major changes to human work, education, communication and decision-making, making investment in research more important than ever.
Prof Dr Tianhua Hong, Executive Director General of the China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre on Earth Sciences, stressed the need for stronger scientific cooperation between Pakistan and China. He said the centre supports joint research on natural disasters, environmental protection, resource development and sustainable development.
Director ICCBS Prof Dr Muhammad Raza Shah said the conference aimed to bring together AI, environmental science and modern technologies to find practical solutions to climate change and challenges facing ecosystems and natural resources.
Prof Dr Muhammad Qasim Jan, former head of Pakistan academy of science and former provincial minister said science is essential for social and economic progress. He stressed the need for joint efforts to address global challenges, including climate change and environmental issues.
Researchers and faculty members from different universities are showcasing their research works in the conference. A number of students from Federal Urdu University, ICCBS, University of Karachi and other institutions presented in the conference.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
