Pakistan to the United Nations, Geneva
In the heart of the United Nations Office in Geneva, a man from a small town in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, stood tall, his voice resonating with clarity and conviction. Muhammad Awais, a seasoned General Manager with a rich technology and digital transformation background, had come to the global stage to advocate for the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robust governance frameworks. His journey from the mountains of Azad Kashmir to the halls of the United Nations is a testament to his unwavering commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good.
Early Beginnings and Academic Excellence
Muhammad Awais was born and raised in a small town in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, a region renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From a young age, he demonstrated a keen interest in technology and engineering. His academic journey began at Government Ali Akbar Awan High School in Muzaffarabad, where he established the foundation for his future endeavors. He later completed his Higher Secondary School Certificate in Pre-Engineering at Government Model Science College, Muzaffarabad, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering from Mirpur University of Science and Technology.
His academic achievements reflected his intellectual prowess and served as a testament to his dedication and hard work. Despite the challenges of living in a region with limited resources, Muhammad Awais persevered, driven by a passion for technology and a desire to make a difference. His academic journey was marked by excellence, setting the stage for a career that would take him far beyond the mountains of Azad Kashmir.
Professional Journey: From Fixed Networks to Digital Transformation
Muhammad Awais’s professional journey is characterized by a series of achievements that showcase his technical expertise and leadership abilities. He began his career as a Fixed Network Engineer at LCC Pakistan, where he was responsible for installing and implementing fixed-access network projects. His work involved close coordination with vendors and customers, ensuring the successful deployment of advanced telecommunications technologies.
In 2012, he relocated to Saudi Arabia to join LCC SAUDIA ARABIA as a Team Lead for Back-Office Access Network Engineers. There, he oversaw 24/7 alarm monitoring and subscriber management, ensuring smooth operations for services such as BTV, OTT, and VOD. His responsibilities also grew to include coordinating with field teams, troubleshooting, and conducting training sessions on access network products.
Muhammad Awais’s expertise in network design and implementation led him to CMT Technologies, where he served as Project and Operations Manager for the Ministry of Information’s OTT Project. He played a crucial role in deploying and integrating OTT projects, collaborating with various vendors to ensure high availability and service improvements. His leadership in network optimization and platform expansion further cemented his reputation as a skilled project manager.
In 2016, he took on the role of Team Lead for IPTV/OTT Support Engineering at CMT Technologies. In this role, he managed a team responsible for 24/7 alarm monitoring
and customer support. His duties included coordinating with marketing teams to implement new packages and ensuring the smooth operation of the OTT platform.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Muhammad Awais’s career took a significant leap when he joined ATOS CVC Saudi Arabia as a Tetra Riyadh Metro Project project manager. Here, he managed a team of engineers, designers, and procurement specialists, ensuring the project’s timely and cost-effective completion. His responsibilities included procurement, risk management, and client delivery, making him a key interface between the company and its stakeholders.
In October 2023, he assumed the position of General Manager at Eviden Romania SRL Ltd Saudi Arabia (formerly Atos CVC). In this role, he developed and executed business strategies, oversaw daily operations, managed budgets, and led teams to achieve performance targets. His strategic vision and ability to foster collaboration have been instrumental in driving organizational objectives and supporting digital evolution in competitive markets.
Advocacy for AI Ethics and Governance
Muhammad Awais’s journey from a small town in Azad Kashmir to the global stage is not just a story of professional success but also one of advocacy and leadership. Recognizing AI’s transformative potential, he has become a vocal advocate for ethical AI and robust governance frameworks. His participation in the AI for Development Summit (AIFOD) at the UN Office in Geneva was a significant milestone in his advocacy efforts.
At the summit, Muhammad Awais addressed the critical issues of AI ethics and governance. He emphasized the need for transparent, accountable, and inclusive AI systems that respect human rights and promote social good. His insights, grounded in his extensive experience in technology and digital transformation, resonated with policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow advocates.
Muhammad Awais’s advocacy reaches far beyond the halls of the United Nations. He is actively engaged in discussions and initiatives aimed at shaping the future of AI. His forthcoming participation in the UN Vienna conference on this very topic highlights his dedication to driving positive change on a global scale.
The Importance of AI Ethics and Governance
The rapid advancement of AI technologies has significantly changed various sectors, from healthcare to finance and transportation to education. While AI promises to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation, it also poses several ethical and governance challenges. These challenges include privacy, bias, transparency, accountability, and potential misuse.
Muhammad Awais recognizes that the ethical use of AI is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity. AI systems that are not designed with ethical considerations can result in unintended consequences, such as discrimination, privacy violations, and a loss of trust. Therefore, he advocates for the development of transparent, accountable, and inclusive AI systems, ensuring they respect human rights and promote social good The Role of Governance Frameworks
Effective governance frameworks are essential for ensuring the ethical use of AI. These frameworks should include clear guidelines, regulations, and standards that govern the development, deployment, and use of AI technologies. They should also establish mechanisms for accountability and oversight, ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AI systems.
Muhammad Awais emphasizes the importance of involving multiple stakeholders in developing governance frameworks. These include governments, industry leaders, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the general public. By incorporating diverse perspectives, governance frameworks can be designed to address a wide range of concerns and ensure that AI technologies benefit all members of society.
The Global Impact of AI
The impact of AI is not confined to any single country or region. As a global technology, AI has the potential to influence every facet of human life, from economic development to social justice. Therefore, it is vital to approach AI ethics and governance from a worldwide perspective, acknowledging the interconnectedness of our global community.
Muhammad Awais’s participation in international conferences and summits reflects his commitment to addressing AI’s global impact. By sharing his insights and experiences on the global stage, he aims to contribute to developing international standards and best practices for AI ethics and governance. His advocacy efforts are about promoting ethical AI in his own country and fostering a global dialogue on this critical issue.
The Future of AI and Its Implications
As AI technologies continue to evolve, the implications for society are profound. Developing advanced AI systems, such as autonomous vehicles, intelligent robots, and AI-driven healthcare solutions, promises significant improvements in various sectors. However, it also raises new ethical and governance challenges that must be addressed.
Muhammad Awais is particularly concerned about AI’s potential to exacerbate existing inequalities and create new forms of discrimination. He believes that AI systems should be designed to promote fairness, inclusivity, and social justice. This requires careful consideration of the data used to train AI models, the algorithms used to make decisions, and the potential impact of these systems on different communities.
The Need for Collaboration and Partnerships
Addressing AI’s ethical and governance challenges requires collaboration and partnerships at all levels. Governments, industry leaders, academic institutions, and civil society organizations must work together to develop comprehensive solutions that ensure the responsible use of AI.
Muhammad Awais is a strong advocate for public-private partnerships acknowledging the importance of leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors. By collaborating, governments and private companies can create innovative solutions to tackle the challenges posed by AI. This involves investing in research and development, promoting education and training initiatives, and establishing regulatory frameworks that foster innovation while safeguarding the public interest.
The Role of Education and Training
Education and training ensure that individuals and organizations possess the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and use AI responsibly. Muhammad Awais believes that promoting educational and training programs in AI and related fields is crucial for creating a workforce capable of addressing the ethical and governance challenges posed by this technology.
He also emphasizes the importance of promoting digital literacy and awareness among the general public. By educating people about the potential benefits and risks of AI, they can make informed decisions and participate in developing governance frameworks that reflect their values and priorities.
The Importance of Inclusivity and Diversity
Inclusivity and diversity are essential elements of ethical AI and strong governance frameworks. Muhammad Awais believes that AI systems should be created to benefit all members of society, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. This necessitates including diverse perspectives in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
He also advocates for including underrepresented groups in the AI workforce, recognizing that diversity of thought and experience can lead to more innovative and effective solutions. By promoting inclusivity and diversity, we can ensure that AI technologies are developed and utilized to foster social justice and equality.
The Role of Civil Society and Public Participation
Civil society organizations and the general public are essential in developing AI ethics and governance frameworks. Muhammad Awais believes that involving these stakeholders in the decision-making process is vital to ensuring that AI technologies reflect society’s values and priorities.
He advocates for the establishment of public participation and consultation mechanisms, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and considered in the development of AI policies and regulations. This includes engaging with communities most likely affected by AI technologies and addressing their concerns and priorities.
Hope for AI and Its Future in Pakistan, Particularly Azad Kashmir
Muhammad Awais’s journey from Azad Kashmir to the global stage is a personal triumph and a beacon of hope for the region. He envisions a future where AI technologies can drive economic growth, improve healthcare, enhance education, and promote social justice in Pakistan, particularly Azad Kashmir.
He believes that AI can potentially transform lives in his home region by addressing some of the most pressing challenges they face. For instance, AI-driven healthcare solutions can improve access to medical services in remote areas, while AI-powered educational tools can enhance student learning outcomes. Additionally, AI can play a crucial role in disaster management and environmental conservation, which are significant concerns in Azad Kashmir.
Muhammad Awais is committed to bringing the benefits of AI to his home region. He advocates for the development of local AI talent, the establishment of AI research centers, and the promotion of AI education and training programs. He believes that by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Azad Kashmir can become a hub for AI development in Pakistan.
Hope and Inspiration
Muhammad Awais’s journey from a small town in Azad Kashmir to the global stage is a beacon of hope and inspiration. His dedication to leveraging technology for the greater good and his advocacy for ethical AI and robust governance make him a formidable force in technology and digital transformation.
As he prepares to attend the UN Vienna conference, Muhammad Awais continues to raise his voice on important issues. His story serves as a reminder that with determination, vision, and a commitment to ethical principles, anyone can make a significant impact on the global stage. His advocacy for AI ethics and governance acts as a call to action and provides a roadmap for a future where technology serves humanity in the most ethical and beneficial ways possible.
Muhammad Awais’s journey is far from over. As he continues to advocate for ethical AI and robust governance frameworks, he remains a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication, and hard work come together. His voice, raised in the halls of the United Nations, is a testament to the power of one individual to make a difference in the world. V.
