ParisRizwan Anwar, Special Representative to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, held talks with the UK’s Minister for Early Education and the British delegation at UNESCO’s annual global meeting on technology in education.
The meeting with Paul Waugh MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Early Education) at the UK’s Department for Education, took place on the sidelines of Digital Learning Week 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters.
Their conversation covered digital learning, artificial intelligence in classrooms, youth development, digital skills and international cooperation.
“At a time when technology is reshaping education globally, international dialogue, knowledge exchange and youth empowerment are essential to building inclusive and future-ready societies,” Mr Anwar said afterwards.
Key facts
- Event: UNESCO Digital Learning Week 2026, 8 to 11 September, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris
- Theme: Education in the Age of AI: Facts, Frictions, Frontiers
- Meeting: Rizwan Anwar with Paul Waugh MP, UK Minister for Early Education, and the British delegation
- Topics: digital learning, AI in education, youth development, digital skills, international cooperation
A global stage for AI and education
UNESCO’s fourth Digital Learning Week brought together ministers, educators, researchers and technology experts from around the world. Launched in 2023, the event has become UNESCO’s main global platform for debating how digital tools and AI should be used in schools.
A new minister with an early-years brief
Mr Waugh, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Rochdale, was appointed to the Department for Education on 22 July 2026. His brief covers early years education, including for children with special educational needs, childcare, the early years workforce and early communication skills. A former political journalist, he was first elected in 2024.
Why it matters for Pakistan
Pakistan has one of the world’s youngest populations, and its government has made digital skills a priority for jobs and growth. Mr Anwar said he was proud to represent Pakistan and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme at the summit, and to contribute to conversations shaping the future of education and digital transformation.
“From Pakistan to the world — connecting youth, education, technology and international cooperation,” he said.
Mr Anwar is also Chairman and Founder of Youth Revolution Clan, which he started in 2007, and leads digital literacy work at the Centre for Digital Literacy and Business Management in Lahore. More of his international work is on the Portfolio and Media & News pages.
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