Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has called for enhanced Pakistan-Somalia cooperation in digital governance, foundational identity, artificial intelligence and Digital Public Infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of South-South cooperation in developing practical solutions to shared challenges.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of the Somalia-Pakistan Peer Learning Programme on Foundational ID and Digital Public Infrastructure as Chief Guest at local Hotel, Islamabad, Chairman Gilani said the programme demonstrated that meaningful international cooperation was not limited to formal agreements, but also involved sharing knowledge, experiences and practical solutions to strengthen institutions and improve citizens’ lives.
He appreciated the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for facilitating the peer learning process and commended the partnership between Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) as a valuable example of South-South cooperation.
Chairman Gilani said a foundational identity system was far more than a database or registration document, describing it as a key building block of a modern state that facilitates access to public and private services and supports financial inclusion. He noted that Pakistan’s experience through NADRA offered important lessons in developing identity infrastructure into a platform for wider governance and service delivery.
He said Pakistan was placing e-governance and digital transformation increasingly at the centre of its national development agenda, while stressing that Parliament must remain an integral part of this process to ensure that technology is inclusive, secure, accountable and rights-based.
Highlighting the Senate’s own digital journey, Chairman Gilani said the Upper House was advancing towards a paperless e-Parliament through e-Office and digital parliamentary processes. He also highlighted the recent launch of the Senate Mobile Application, terming it an important step towards a more efficient, transparent and responsive Parliament.
The Chairman Senate further noted that Pakistan had recently joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to international cooperation in AI, particularly among countries of the Global South.
He said the Parliaments of Pakistan and Somalia could strengthen institutional linkages through greater exchange of experiences in legislation, oversight, digital transformation and citizen engagement. He also emphasized the potential for broader technology cooperation across the OIC, particularly in digital identity, e-government, financial inclusion and AI.
Chairman Gilani encouraged development partners, including UNDP, to continue supporting such initiatives under the framework of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, expressing hope that the programme would pave the way for lasting institutional collaboration between Pakistan and Somalia.
Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan; Mr. Abdiwali Ali, Director General, National Identification and Registration Authority of Somalia; distinguished guests, experts and speakers attended the ceremony.
