Leading academics and international specialists have issued a strong call to action, urging educational institutions to arm students with cutting-edge technological knowledge. This appeal was made during the final session of a major three-day international conference held in Swabi.
Global Gathering for Smart Communities
The International Conference on Smart Communities (ICSC) concluded on Friday after three days of intensive discussions. The event was a collaborative effort between the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIK). The forum brought together minds from across Pakistan and around the world to deliberate on how communities can drive positive social and technological progress.
Prominent international figures who shared their expertise included:
- Prof. Kamal Alama from Australia
- Dr. Junaid Zubairi, Dr. Ahmad Khan, Dr. Yasin Akhtar, and Dr. Khizar Bhutta from the United States
- Prof. Dr. Katharina Krombholz from Germany
The conference saw the participation of Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Rector of GIK Institute, along with pro-rectors, directors, numerous university experts, and a large student audience. Shakil Durrani, the executive director of SOPREST—the parent organization of GIK—was also in attendance.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap for the Future
Speakers unanimously highlighted the blistering pace of advancement in science and technology. They warned that students must continuously update their skillsets or face the risk of becoming obsolete in terms of both capability and global competitiveness. The experts argued that a deep understanding and practical application of modern technological knowledge is no longer optional; it is a fundamental requirement for achieving excellence in education, research, and industrial development.
In her detailed presentation, Prof. Dr. Katharina Krombholz tackled the pressing security challenges arising in the age of artificial intelligence. She explored human-focused security strategies, the specific vulnerabilities encountered by marginalized groups, the principles of designing resilient systems, and the critical need to protect privacy for every member of society.
"We must empower people to have a voice in decisions affecting their security," Prof. Krombholz stated. She advocated for expanded international cooperation, joint research initiatives, and collaborative supervision of projects to effectively counter evolving digital threats.
A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
Addressing the participants, Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid commended GIK Institute for successfully organizing the significant event. He noted that such conferences create invaluable platforms for students, researchers, and faculty members to exchange ideas, foster learning, and build professional networks.
Echoing this sentiment, other speakers reinforced the necessity of promoting research collaboration and nurturing a culture of innovation. They stressed that this approach is essential to not only meet upcoming technological challenges but also to fully leverage new scientific breakthroughs for national economic growth.
The conference served as a clear reminder that preparing the youth with future-ready skills is a shared responsibility crucial for Pakistan's progress on the world stage.
