KARACHI: Speakers at an international conference — which concluded at Karachi University (KU) on Thursday — underscored the need to embrace innovation and integrate digital transformation across key sectors, emphasising that traditional tools were no longer effective for their development.

The two-day conference, titled Digital transformation in management: the way forward to sustainable practices in global context, was organised by the faculty of management and administrative sciences.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Consul General of Türkiye Cemal Sangu said that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was redefining the way businesses, governments and academic institutions operated.

He mentioned that smart decision-making, automation and data-driven insi­ghts were no longer futuristic concepts.

“In fact, they are the foundation of modern management. We need to remain competitive in today’s world. Business leaders must embrace technology, ensuring that digital tools are used not just for efficiency, but for sustainability and inclusive growth,” he said.

Mr Sangu informed the audience that Türkiye had been at the forefront of Al-driven innovation, integrating digital transformation into key sectors such as education, health, governance and industry.

He stated that institutions of Türkiye like TUBITAK and Teknoparks had been instrumental in driving AI research, smart automation and tech-based business solutions.

Moreover, he added that the Presidency Investment Office of Türkiye had played a crucial role in supporting start-up ecosystems, technological ventures and academic research to build a robust digital economy.

The consul general also talked about projects being run in Sindh and Balochistan through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. He mentioned that the agency was working on expanding AI and digital literacy in the education sector, offering scholarships to Pakistani students and supporting digital health and other projects in both provinces.

Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science, and Technology, Professor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, underlined the need to utilise natural resources wisely, describing it as a responsible scientific approach.

“True success lies in using technology for the benefit of humanity and the natural environment. This is the path to a brighter and sustainable future, where education is not just about rote learning but a creative and practical experience, and development signifies human and environmental betterment,” he said.

KU VC Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi also spoke.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2025