By: Somia Umar

The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) recently organized the most highly awaited event of the year – the PUAN Annual Conference 2019. PUAN is an institution with high reputation and is known for working to address key global challenges. The theme for this year’s conference, Azm-e-Alishan: The Power of Resolve focused on extending a helping hand to those in need. With preparations beginning months in advance, the occasion lived up to high expectations and was a huge success. Over two-hundred alumni from each of the thirteen chapters joined the conference from all over Pakistan, and thirty renowned guests from various sectors addressed participants. High spirits and energy filled the room, and it was an opportunity not worth missing.

Interactive Skill-Building Sessions: Paving Way for Resolve

Day 1: PUAN kicked off the first session of the three-day PUAN Annual Conference 2019 on Friday, July 12th, 2019.  The session began with an opening speech from Yoon Nam, Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer at U.S. Embassy Islamabad and Dr. Musarat Amin.  In addition to welcoming guests of honor, the conference was an opportunity to highlight success stories of PUAN alumni.  An Icebreaker and Leadership Development session was conducted to help re-energize the participants after their travels to Islamabad.  The event included a networking session followed by a Welcome Dinner and Musical Night for all the attendees. Special appreciation was extended to the ten alumni from Afghanistan, who had traveled from their home country to join the prestigious conference.

Day 2: PUAN Country President, Syed Shahid Kazmi shared his remarks for the opening session. Ambassador Paul W. Jones, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the United States of America to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan., addressed conference participants and expressed his gratitude for all the Pakistani / U.S. citizens who had joined hands to become part of the world’s largest alumni network, focused on building enduring relationships around the world.  As Ambassador Jones told participants,

“This conference is not just about learning through speaking and listening, but it is also a call to action. Together, we have the ability to shape our futures”.

“These meaningful initiatives are impactful and consequential for the people around you, as well as yourselves. I admire your initiative and commitment for resolve.  Your resolve will carry you farther than you can imagine”,

Ambassador Jones added as a concluding note.

Peace Communicators & their views on Resolve

Ambassador Jones was followed by an interactive dialogue by Mr. Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, IVLP alumnus, Federal Minister of Planning, Development, and Reforms, Government of Pakistan, who said that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to the United States will help further strengthen the Pakistan-U.S. relationships and will mark the beginning of a new era.  Mr. Bakhtair noted that,

“These U.S. government-funded exchange programs help develop cultural understanding and promotes diversity.  PUAN, with the help and support of both Pakistan and U.S. government, is taking solid steps towards much needed structural reform. These exchange programs are helping pave the way for a stronger and better future for both countries as well as further cementing the bond that both Pakistan and the United States share”.

Next, Senator Sherry Rehman, President of Jinnah Institute, Islamabad, participated in an insightful discussion on Pakistan in Asia and Pakistan’s role in regional integration.  Ms. Rehman shared that she believed that people-to-people contact, and trade were essential prerequisites for regional integration. Furthermore, she expressed the importance of the young generation noting that,

“The youth must not look to pin responsibility of the conflict, rather sit together and discuss the way forward to achieve regional peace”.

Day 2 concluded with the PUAN Musical Night Concert featuring a musical performance by Amanat Ali, who had the audience roaring with amusement.  His performance included a very hyped session of desi tunes as well as a mellow musical performance where he had signed off on a signature tune, leaving the audience in awe.

Peace Through Performance & Creativity

Day 3: The PUAN planning team, alumni, and attendees joined hands to conduct the community service initiatives together.  Each community service activity was conducted to help alumni understand the importance of service and reaching out to those who are underprivileged.

Community Service Projects included:

1. Arts, Sports & Story-telling session with Pakistan Sweet Home Kids, Islamabad

Participants helped children to make drawings about what a peaceful Pakistan, co-existence, sharing cultures and diversity looks like to them.

2. Inter-faith Harmony Session with Diverse Communities, Islamabad Zoo

Participants arranged a clean-up drive that was conducted to remove all litter and pollution from Islamabad Zoo, including interactive sessions on peace building, inter-faith harmony, clean-up awareness, and sharing values.

3. Tree Plantation Initiative with WWF Pakistan

Participants conducted an informative session on indigenous plant species of Pakistan, followed by a discussion on planting techniques, a planting drive, and a seed ball making activity.

4. Arts and Storytelling Session with Kids in Federal Government Services Hospital, Islamabad

Participants shared stories about their life with admitted children at the hospital, followed by an arts and painting exercise for the kids to create get well soon cards.

5. Arts, Sports and Storytelling Session with Mashal Model School, Islamabad

Participants worked with children to create drawings on what a peaceful Pakistan, co-existence, sharing cultures, and diversity looks like to them.