By Digital Spartans 
S&P Global and the S&P Global Foundation have announced the next phase of their $10 million StepForward initiative, a global program focused on preparing young people for an AI-driven workforce through education, training, and digital skills development.
Originally launched in December 2025, the three-year initiative supports organizations that provide workforce readiness and artificial intelligence education programs in different regions around the world. The project combines financial support with skills-based volunteering, allowing S&P Global employees to contribute professional expertise to participating programs.
Pakistan has emerged as a key focus area within the initiative through collaboration with Urdu AI, which aims to deliver AI literacy and digital skills training in Urdu. The initiative is designed to improve accessibility for students and young professionals who may not have access to English-language learning resources.
Speaking about the partnership, Mujeeb Zahur said the Urdu AI platform will provide mobile-friendly courses and workshops to help young people across Pakistan develop practical AI, digital, and problem-solving skills. The program is expected to support a global Urdu-speaking learning community of more than one million users.
The S&P Global Foundation has also partnered with MIT Solve through the Essential Innovation Challenge. Under this collaboration, six regional nonprofit organizations have been selected to deliver workforce development and AI learning programs tailored to local employment markets.
According to the announcement, the selected organizations will receive funding to expand AI-focused learning opportunities and human-centered skills training. Pakistan’s Urdu AI initiative is among the programs benefiting from this support.
Qaisar Roonjha emphasized the importance of accessible AI education in local languages, stating that young people in Pakistan should be able to participate in the global AI economy without language barriers limiting their opportunities.
The initiative also includes grants for organizations such as Generation and MIT RAISE to support AI-based youth development and employment programs in several markets.
Additionally, the UN Youth Office will participate as a global collaborator backed by S&P Global corporate funding. The organization is expected to lead awareness campaigns focused on future-ready workforce skills and digital transformation for young people worldwide.
S&P Global has increasingly focused on AI adoption and workforce development through programs such as EssentialTECH, AI-focused employee training initiatives, and internal digital innovation platforms. The company says these efforts are aimed at helping workers adapt to rapidly changing labor market demands shaped by emerging technologies.
The StepForward initiative reflects growing global investment in AI education as governments, companies, and nonprofit organizations work to prepare younger generations for technology-driven careers and evolving workplace requirements.