A two-day conference on ‘Social Entrepreneurship in Pakistan’ organised by Accountability Lab Pakistan with the support of the U.S. Mission in Pakistan in partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) concludes in Islamabad on April 24, 2024. “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 marginalised communities, and you are tackling seeming intractable problems through entrepreneurship – all while contributing to the growth and development of Pakistan,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer.
“Social Entrepreneurship is not just a buzzword; it is the driving force for tomorrow’s transformation, a catalyst for inclusive development, and a pathway to empowerment for all members of society,” reiterated Mushahid Hussain Syed, Former Senator and Chairman of the Senate’s Defense Committee, during his keynote speech at the conference.
Speaking to the participants at the opening ceremony, Fayyaz Yaseen, Executive Director of the Accountability Lab, said that the key objective of the conference is to highlight aspects of social entrepreneurship, the connection between business and civic engagement, its widespread impacts on Pakistan, and ways to address the issues involved. Attended by 120-150 mid-senior PUAN alum members from various corners of the country and experts from both private and public sectors, including civil society organisations, academia, parliamentarians and the media, the conference ignited discussions, fostered collaborations, and charted a path towards a more socially conscious and economically sustainable Pakistan. Talks by sectoral experts, exposure visits, plenary discussions, brainstorming sessions, and group presentations were the key highlights of the conference.
The Country President of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, Sahibzada Aamir Khalil, shared, ‘ 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 diverse range of activities and engagements designed to inspire, educate, and empower participants, including panel discussions with experts, guest lectures, outreach visits to key government institutions promoting skill development and strengthening the entrepreneurship eco system, and the development of action plans for promoting social entrepreneurship.
During his closing remarks, Ali Imran, Chairman of Accountability Lab Pakistan, added, “Our discussions have revolved around the dynamic and essential theme of Social Entrepreneurship. 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.”