**NUST Rector Urges Stronger Digital Collaboration Among SCO Member States**
Rector of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Dr. Muhammad Zahid Latif, has called for enhanced digital collaboration among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, underscoring the importance of equipping youth with digital skills to build a connected and equitable future. Dr. Latif delivered his keynote address at the SCO Digital Economy Forum hosted by Nankai University, where education leaders, policy experts, and digital innovators from across the SCO converged to discuss the region’s digital trajectory.
In his remarks, Dr. Latif emphasized the transformative potential of digital cooperation, particularly in Central Asia. He highlighted that the arrival of Generation Alpha—a cohort growing up immersed in technology—necessitates the adoption of new learning paradigms and flexible, modular education systems to meet their unique needs.
Focusing on Pakistan’s demographic landscape, Dr. Latif pointed out the country’s significant youth population and its increasing engagement in the global gig economy. He stressed the urgent need for targeted digital skills training to empower young people to effectively participate in, and benefit from, the evolving digital economy.
Dr. Latif called on SCO member countries to establish deeper institutional linkages and stronger collaborative frameworks within the SCO context. He argued that such initiatives are essential for shaping a more inclusive and future-ready digital ecosystem across the region.
