In a major step toward modernizing its public sector, Pakistan Digital Authority and the United Nations University have partnered together to expand artificial intelligence training for government officials. This partnership was announced at Indus AI Week 2026 and it aims to facilitate over one million civil and public servants with AI skills by 2028. Officials say this step will support better public services and smarter decision-making across government.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan Digital Authority and United Nations University, marking the start of Project GovAI, a digital micro-learning and upskilling program designed specifically for the public sector.
Project GovAI focuses on short, practical learning modules that can be accessed digitally, making it easier for working officials to learn new skills without leaving their jobs. The program is connected with Pakistan’s five-year Digital Master Plan, which aims to improve governance through technology and innovation.
The collaboration will be coordinated by UNU-EGOV, with support from several other United Nations University institutes. These include UNU-IAS in Japan, UNU-MERIT in the Netherlands, and the UNU Institute in Macao.
Together, the teams will evaluate the learning curriculum, test digital platforms, and run pilot trainings such as webinars and e-learning courses. The goal is to ensure that the program is localized for Pakistan’s needs, delivers visible results, and can be sustained in the long run.
Officials involved in the project say AI skills are becoming necessary for modern government, especially as public services move online. From managing data to improving service delivery, AI is expected to play a growing role in how governments operate.
The agreement also reflects a broader trend of countries working with global institutions to prepare their public sectors for rapid technological change. By partnering with the UN’s academic arm, Pakistan hopes to adopt AI in a responsible and practical way, while learning from international experience.
