Pakistan’s 70% population is below 38 years of age with huge potential and can make a positive contribution to the country’s overall growth. We only need to guide them in proper direction and help them realize their talents.
This was said by Chairperson Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians MNA Dr Shandana Gulzar Khan at the inaugural session of the two-day “Thought Leaders Summit 2020” organized by the British Council Pakistan here on Thursday.
Experts and specialists in the fields of research, higher education, digital, creative & cultural economies, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) attended the inaugural session in good number.
Deputy Country Director British Council Mark Crossey and Director Research & Policy Insight Dan Shah also spoke on the occasion.
The two-day Thought Leaders’ Summit 2020 bought together eminent educationists, scholars, policy experts, members of civil society and partner organizations.
Dr Shandana Khan gave a keynote address on “Culture & Creativity for Socio-Economic Progress” and commended the role of the British Council in assisting the government in the areas of economic and social progress, digital economy, higher education and above all a culture of research and evaluation.
The reports prepared by the British Council in Pakistan during the last six years are of great value and helped the government in making strategies on key areas. “Our relations with British Council are based on mutual trust and partnership and hopefully this will further strengthen in the days to come,” said she.
Mark Crossey while welcoming the participants said we are delighted to host thought leaders from across Pakistan to discuss the importance of research in social, cultural and economic growth. Our initiatives, as such as the Thought Leaders’ Summit 2020 will help build connections, understanding and trust among different sectors.
He further added the summit aimed to bring together stakeholders to initiate dialogue for improving socio-economic status of Pakistanis across the board, especially young people.
The British Council’s Director Research & Policy Insight Daniel Shah hoped during the two-day conference, panelists will speak on the social and cultural issues, art, culture and harmony and we shall listen to the experts and the government representatives in these particular fields. Internationalization he said was at the heart of excellence and the British Council is supporting/helping governments in setting strategies and engaging people in policy issues.
