Building on the momentum of a dynamic first day, the 5th Annual Humphrey Alumni Conference continued its exploration of critical social issues on next day as well i.e. on May 11, 2024. The energy was electric and the day two of the conference promised even more! Charged by the inspiring stories, panel talks, presentations and discussions, Humphrey alumni were ready to dive deeper into the issues shaping Pakistan. From responsible media to the power of education and inclusivity, the day’s sessions were packed with practical ideas and real-life experiences – all shared with the passion that defines our Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN).
Talks Session 2-Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
The Humphrey alumni explored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation in the opening session of day 2.
Under the guidance of Session Chair, Dr. Syed Iqbal Raza, a diverse panel of experts explored various facets of this dynamic field. Dr. Syed Iqbal Raza expertly guided the discussion, leading a diverse panel of experts who delved into the exciting possibilities this dynamic field holds. Imagine a world where legal help is just a click away, thanks to AI! Ms. Riffat Inam Butt sparked the conversation by highlighting the critical role AI can play in expanding access to legal aid and information. This technology has the potential to bridge the justice gap and empower everyday people. Mr. Ahmad Warraich took the conversation to the halls of government, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation. He envisioned a future where efficient and equitable practices powered by AI enhance public service delivery, making life easier for citizens. Ever wondered how AI shapes the way we see the world? Ms. Sundus Asif offered fascinating insights, exploring the impact of AI on our global perspective. Mr. Tabjeel Ashraf then shifted gears, providing a glimpse into the future of work. His talk painted a picture of how AI will profoundly impact service delivery, raising questions and sparking lively discussions amongst the participants. The Q&A session buzzed with energy as attendees actively engaged with the panelists. The exchange fostered collaboration and a sense of shared purpose as they explored the implications and opportunities presented by AI and digital transformation. This particular session at the Humphrey Conference wasn’t just about technology – it was about the potential for a brighter future, driven by innovation, inclusivity, and efficiency across the board.
PUAN Engagement Session
Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) is the largest alumni network of U.S. government exchange recipients and fellows across the world. To make the Humphrey alumni acquainted with the network, Kelly Ryan, Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Embassy, Islamabad led the PUAN engagement session at the 5th Humphrey Conference. Other panel members included Mazhar Q. Awan, Director Alumni Affairs, USEFP, Shahid Waseem, Country Alumni Specialist, U.S. Embassy, Islamabad, Shehneela Mazhar, Communications Officer, PUAN and Sarfraz, Senior Grants Officer, PUAN.
Kelly Ryan also encouraged the alumni to keep their profiles updated in PUAN’s database for participating in future activities. He also requested alumni to keep sharing their achievements for their amplification through PUAN’s platforms.
Session 3-Public Health, Gender and Policy
The next talks session at 5th Annual Humphrey Alumni focused on the powerful intersection of Public Health, Gender, and Policy. Dr. Syed Imtiaz Hasan steered the conversation, guiding insightful talks by leading figures.
Dr. Muhammad Quraish Khan captivated the audience with his talk titled “FATA Merger: Dawn of a New Era.” He dissected the complexities of the recent merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. His talk sparked discussions about the challenges and opportunities this merger presents, particularly in terms of public health and social services. Dr. Farhan Vakani offered a compelling perspective with his talk, “Are We Contributing to Social Responsibility?” He specifically focused on the vital role of mentorship. His message resonated with attendees, urging them to prioritize self-development before becoming mentors. By investing in their own skills and knowledge, individuals become better equipped to empower others and create a ripple effect of positive change.
The session wasn’t just about delivering information – it was about sparking a movement. The engaging talk followed by the lively discussions showcased a shared commitment to improving public health, advancing gender equality, and shaping impactful policies that benefit all.
Talks Session 4- Financial Inclusion and Social Entrepreneurship
The next session of pulsed with energy as attendees delved into the critical theme of Financial Inclusion and Social Entrepreneurship. Mr. Masood ul Mulk expertly guided the session, introducing a diverse group of experts with inspiring ideas to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues.
Mr. Rashid Masood Alam kicked off the session with a powerful talk on the “Social Impact of Financial Inclusion.” He shared real-life stories of how access to financial services can fundamentally change lives, empowering individuals and communities to break free from poverty and build a brighter future. Mr. Aly Jafferani’s thought-provoking talk, “Ethics and Social Responsibility in Healthcare Setting,” tackled a sensitive yet crucial topic – ethical considerations surrounding euthanasia. His discussion sparked a lively exchange of ideas, highlighting the importance of navigating complex ethical dilemmas within the healthcare system. Mr. M. Faisal Mazhar took the conversation to the world of finance with his talk on the “Impact of Payment Infrastructure on Financial Inclusion.” He shed light on how innovative payment systems can bridge the gap for the unbanked and underbanked, paving the way for greater financial stability and inclusion. Mr. Burhan Rasool offered a unique perspective with his talk, “Social Self-Healing Approach for Poverty Alleviation.” He presented an alternative approach to tackling poverty, focusing on empowering communities to find solutions within themselves. His message resonated with attendees, inspiring them to consider new pathways to lasting change. The talk session didn’t shy away from showcasing success stories. Mr. Muhammad Shah Khan from the NIC Program Quetta presented compelling examples of “Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship.” Ms. Deep Rajani then followed with her talk, “Empowering Change Through Corporate Social Responsibility,” highlighting the transformative power of responsible business practices. The final talk by Mr. Imran Ali Sultan, titled “Housing for All: A Market-Driven Approach in Punjab,” talked about practical solution to a widespread issue. He explored innovative, market-driven approaches to provide affordable housing for all, showcasing the tangible outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration and social responsibility. This session at the Humphrey Conference was more than just a discussion of financial systems and social issues. It was a showcase of human ingenuity, compassion, and a collective drive to build a better tomorrow for all.
Humphrey Pride of Pakistan Award Presented by Humphrey Alumni Association of Pakistan
The highlight of day-two of the conference was the prestigious award. Humphrey Alumni Association of Pakistan proudly presented the esteemed Humphrey Pride of Pakistan Award to Dr. Salman Shehzad, a distinguished Professor of Clinical Psychology, in recognition of his outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to the field.
Talks Session 5-Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian
The talks under this session by expert Humphrey alumni were centred around social, cultural, and humanitarian themes. Mr. Abdul Waseem cut through the noise of “fake news” to show us how responsible journalism can keep us informed. Ms. Anum Hanif emphasized the importance of ethical reporting, reminding us that truth matters! Mr. Syed Muhammad Ahsan Abbas tackled social responsibility in education and careers, showing how we can all make a difference. Ms. Samina F. Sheikh championed diversity, innovation, and communication as keys to unlocking a better future for all. Mr. Tasawur ul Karim Baig highlighted the power of volunteerism and embracing our differences to drive positive change. Mr. Sultan Nasir closed the talk by showcasing the transformative power of literature – stories can truly shape our world!
Alumni Impact Awards Session 2-Community Projects for Public Good
During the last session of day two of the 5th Humphrey Alumni PUAN Conference again consisted of presentations by the awardees of Alumni Impact Awards around the themes of Community Projects for Public Good. Mr. Burhan Rasool shed light on women’s leadership roles, while Mr. Said Nazir and Mr. Abdul Waseem discussed strategies to combat online misinformation and disinformation, promoting factual reporting for a healthy democracy (especially relevant to the 2023 elections). Dr. Farhan Saeed Vakani addressed methods for developing strong medical educators in Pakistan and last but not the least, Dr. Itbar Khan explored ways to promote peace education in vulnerable regions, fostering a more stable and secure future.
In short, the day two of the 5th Annual Humphrey Alumni Conference wasn’t just about talks, it was a conversation about building a better Pakistan! From responsible journalism to the power of storytelling, our alumni covered it all. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences showed just how much our PUAN network is dedicated to making a positive difference.
We can’t wait to see what they do next!
