Pakistan Hosts 58th Asia-Pacific Advanced Network Meeting

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Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing technology with a focus on sustainability and green practices for a prosperous future. His remarks came during the opening ceremony of the 58th Asia-Pacific Advanced Network Meeting (APAN-58), hosted by the Pakistan Education Research Network (PERN), a flagship project of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The event, attended by prominent figures such as HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, APAN Chairman Mr Shinji Shimoji, and Member (IT) HEC Dr Jamil Ahmad, marks a significant gathering for researchers and technical experts across Asia and Oceania to share insights and foster collaborations.

APAN serves as a critical platform for members from Education and Research Networks across the region, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the formation of partnerships aimed at addressing global challenges. The five-day event features a series of workshops, tutorials, presentations, panel discussions, and an academic conference focusing on advanced network technologies and applications.

Chairman Gilani, in his address, emphasized the importance of developing IT infrastructure in Pakistan, noting that around 50% of the country still lacks internet access. He expressed hope that Pakistan’s collaboration with APAN and continued investment in this sector would help bridge this gap, particularly benefiting marginalized communities in remote areas.

“Our partnership with APAN is not just about networking but also about enhancing global connectivity between Education and Research Networks,” Gilani said. “This collaboration is crucial for addressing pressing issues like climate change, food security, and poverty.”

Gilani also commended HEC for successfully organizing the event, which has provided a platform for both young and experienced minds in emerging technologies to collaborate on shaping the future of technology and education.

In his welcome remarks, HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted the participation of over 40 representatives from 17 APAN member countries, with more than 100 joining virtually. He stressed the importance of equipping young people with the latest technological knowledge to benefit themselves, their countries, and the global community.

Dr Mukhtar assured continued efforts to promote the positive use of IT in Pakistan, particularly in enhancing the education sector. APAN Chairman Mr. Shinji Shimoji expressed his gratitude to HEC and PERN for hosting the event, launching an APAN handbook and the first edition of APAN Pulse, the network’s official magazine. He also announced that Mongolia would join APAN as a member in 2025.

Keynote speakers at the event included Chief Collaboration Officer of NORDUnet Mr Erik Kikkenborg, Head of Connectivity for Asia Pacific at META Dr Syed Ismail Shah, and Roy Lou, Vice President of MECA Cloud Business Unit at Huawei Technologies, who shared their insights on the future of network technologies.

This event marks another significant milestone for Pakistan, which virtually hosted the 51st APAN meeting in 2021, further solidifying its role in the global technological landscape.