By Zafar Hussain

BEIJING, March 18 (China Economic Net) - In a special event marking International Women's Day 2026, the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, in collaboration with the Women Empowerment and Development Society in Asia-Africa (WEDS.AA), launched the innovative 'WEDSTAR: The AI Picture Book International Co-Creating Project'.

The event highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting women's empowerment and featured an art session where participants co-created paintings, which were transformed in real-time by AI. Notable dignitaries, including Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, attended the event, underscoring the importance of gender equality and women's contributions to social and economic development.

In his remarks, Ambassador Hashmi noted the special significance of this event in the context of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China while paying tribute to the women leaders, writers, scholars, scientists and entrepreneurs from both countries for their valuable contribution to the strengthening of bilateral relations.

Reaffirming Pakistan's strong commitment to the advancement and empowerment of women, he stressed that real progress depends on ensuring women's equal access to education, opportunity, and public life. He said that only an empowered and inclusive society can fully benefit from the talent, leadership, and contributions of women in national development and in shaping a more just and equitable future.

Dr. Zhao Meiling, President of WEDS.AA, described the event as a meaningful initiative that provided an opportunity to explore how AI could be harnessed to support women's development and inspire younger generations across Asia and Africa. She expressed confidence that the initiative would attract wide participation.

Gaetan Michel Siew Hew Sam, Ambassador of Mauritius formally announced the launch of the WEDSTAR International AI Painting Co-creation Project on behalf of the organizers.

The event featured an art session during which participants drew paintings on various themes. The programme also included a real-time AI transformation display of their paintings, which was warmly appreciated by the participants. The event was attended by Chinese dignitaries, Ambassadors and diplomatic envoys and representatives from WEDs and cultural associations in Beijing.