JazzWorld UNICEF partnership to focus on digital inclusion and online safety in Pakistan

The JazzWorld UNICEF partnership will explore initiatives to expand digital inclusion, promote online safety and strengthen disaster preparedness across Pakistan, following the signing of a Letter of Intent between the two organisations.

The proposed collaboration will focus on four areas: digital inclusion and youth empowerment, digital well-being, humanitarian response and disaster preparedness, and public advocacy. The organisations aim to combine their expertise in technology, connectivity, child rights and development to support children, young people, women and underserved communities.

A key area of focus will be access to digital education, literacy and skills development, particularly for young people with limited opportunities. The partnership will also explore ways to strengthen Pakistan’s Digital Youth Hub, established by the Prime Minister’s Youth Program in partnership with UNICEF, drawing on JazzWorld’s technical capabilities to support learning, employability and participation in the digital economy.

Online safety will form another part of the proposed collaboration, with potential initiatives addressing digital literacy, online harassment, abuse and other technology-facilitated risks affecting children, adolescents and girls.

The organisations will also assess how mobile connectivity and digital communication platforms could improve disaster preparedness, distribute early warnings and provide timely information to communities affected by humanitarian emergencies.

Syed Zaheer Mehdi, Group Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at JazzWorld, said access to digital tools and skills was essential for young people to benefit from artificial intelligence.

“Bridging the digital divide is essential to bridging the emerging AI divide,” Mehdi said, highlighting the importance of safe digital environments and opportunities for underserved communities.

The proposed partnership will also explore public awareness campaigns, customer and employee engagement, and other initiatives supporting children and young people.

The Letter of Intent establishes a framework for exploring collaboration. The organisations have yet to detail specific programmes or implementation timelines.