The two-day conference on ‘Social Entrepreneurship in Pakistan’ came to a close in Islamabad marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable development and inclusive growth. Organized by Accountability Lab Pakistan, with the support of the U.S. Mission in Pakistan and in partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to driving positive change through innovative entrepreneurship.
Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer highlighted the crucial role of PUAN members in driving social change, stating, “With more than 44,000 exchange alumni, PUAN members like you are establishing climate-smart businesses, investing in community-driven enterprises, promoting entry to markets for underserved and marginalized communities, and you are tackling seeming intractable problems through entrepreneurship – all while contributing to the growth and development of Pakistan.”
Former Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed emphasized the transformative power of social entrepreneurship, calling it “the driving force for tomorrow’s transformation, a catalyst for inclusive development, and a pathway to empowerment for all members of society” during his keynote speech.
Fayyaz Yaseen, Executive Director of the Accountability Lab, outlined the conference’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of highlighting the connection between business and civic engagement and addressing the challenges facing social entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
The conference, attended by 120-150 mid-senior PUAN alumni members and experts from various sectors, sparked discussions, fostered collaborations, and charted a path towards a more socially conscious and economically sustainable Pakistan. Activities included talks by sectoral experts, exposure visits, plenary discussions, brainstorming sessions, and group presentations.
Sahibzada Aamir Khalil, Country President of Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, emphasized the need for action, stating, “this conference is not just about dialogue; it is about action. We are here to identify and address the barriers hindering the growth of social entrepreneurship in Pakistan, offering actionable insights and solutions to create an enabling ecosystem for aspiring social entrepreneurs.”
The conference featured a range of activities aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering participants, including panel discussions with experts, guest lectures, outreach visits to government institutions promoting skill development, and the development of action plans for the promotion of social entrepreneurship.
In his closing remarks, Chairman of Accountability Lab Pakistan, Ali Imran, reflected on the comprehensive discussions held during the conference. “From envisioning its future prospects to exploring technological innovations and the tangible outcomes achievable through robust public-private partnerships and inclusive networks, we have left no stone unturned,” he said.
The conference concluded with a sense of optimism and determination to harness the potential of social entrepreneurship as a vehicle for positive change in Pakistan. As stakeholders return to their communities, they carry with them a renewed commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
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