In a landmark initiative to advance girls’ education in marginalized regions, UNESCO, in collaboration with Pakistan’s Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, has launched 40 smart classrooms across girls’ primary schools in the districts of Bagh, Muzaffarabad, and Neelam Valley.
The project, unveiled on the International Day of Education 2025 under the theme “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” aims to transform the educational experiences of 3,000 young girls by integrating modern technology and interactive learning resources.
Funded by the Government of Pakistan through the Malala Funds-in-Trust agreement, the initiative is part of UNESCO’s Girls Right to Education Programme. It seeks to boost girls’ enrolment, retention, and the overall quality of education in underserved areas. To complement UNESCO’s efforts, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has rehabilitated school buildings, provided essential school supplies, and enhanced the learning environment with vibrant wall paintings.
Smart Classrooms
The smart classrooms were officially inaugurated at a ceremony held at the Girls Government Primary School in Upper Chattar, Muzaffarabad. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Mr. Mohyuddin Wani, Secretary of Federal Education and Professional Training, who emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative.
Other notable attendees included Mr. Zaheer Uddin Qureshi, Senior Member of the Board of Revenue; Brig. Tariq Sohail, Sector Commander; and Mr. Zafar Hayat Malik, Head of Education at UNESCO. District Education Officers, teachers, students, and members of the School Management Committee (SMC) also participated, showcasing their support for the initiative.
Empowering Teachers Through Technology
In addition to the smart classrooms, UNESCO will train 100 teachers from the targeted districts through a customized professional development program. The training will focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) competencies, digital literacy, and the integration of ICT into teaching practices.
Equipping teachers with the skills to effectively use technology in the classroom is crucial for maximizing the impact of these smart classrooms. This initiative will not only enhance teaching quality but also inspire students to embrace digital learning.
Both teachers and students expressed their enthusiasm for the new digital learning tools. Teachers shared their excitement about incorporating modern technology into their lessons, while students eagerly anticipated exploring new digital resources to expand their knowledge and skills.
Celebrating the International Day of Education
The launch of the smart classrooms coincided with the International Day of Education 2025 celebrations, which were marked by a high-level conference in Islamabad. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives in collaboration with UNESCO, the event centered on the theme, “Bridging the Education Divide: Linking Education to National and Economic Development.”
Speaking at the conference, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s educational challenges, including out-of-school children, infrastructure gaps, and teacher shortages. He outlined the government’s roadmap for education reform under the Uraan Pakistan initiative, which includes establishing a dedicated teacher training institute, creating digital learning platforms, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring transparency in educational governance.
Antony Kar Hung Tam, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan, emphasized the need to address gender and digital divides. He emphasized the importance of ensuring relevance, adopting a multi-disciplinary approach, and strengthening monitoring are critical to transforming education in Pakistan.
The event also showcased the District Education Performance Index (DEPIx) as a vital tool for evidence-based policymaking and resource allocation. Panel discussions highlighted education’s transformative role in economic growth, underscoring the importance of improved governance, teacher training, and the strategic integration of AI in the sector.