PROPOSED 2026 PUAN GRANT THEMES

Applicants must select one theme and design a project fully aligned with its objectives. Proposals that do not clearly align with a listed theme will not be considered. 

1. Economic Reform, Trade & Investment Readiness: Projects under this theme should support greater understanding of economic reform, trade facilitation, and investment readiness in Pakistan, with an emphasis on transparent, rules-based economic practices that enable U.S.–Pakistan commercial engagement.                                                                                   

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Alumni-led dialogues or workshops on trade, investment, or reform-related topics.
• Engagements with business communities, SMEs, journalists, or students on economic best practices.
• Public discussions or forums highlighting transparent, rules-based markets
• Knowledge-sharing initiatives that improve awareness of international economic standards and trade norms.

2. Workforce Readiness for Trade, Technology & Investment: Projects under this theme should strengthen workforce readiness in sectors critical to U.S.–Pakistan economic engagement by linking skills development to real market demand, U.S.-informed practices, and private-sector participation.

Examples of eligible activities include:

1. Alumni-led training or mentorship programs aligned with trade facilitation, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, or investment-related services.
2. Partnerships with educational institutions, industry associations, or employers to support job readiness or professional skills development.
3. Career-readiness initiatives linking participants to employment pathways, certifications, or enterprise development in priority economic sectors.

3. Economic Narratives & Public Understanding: Projects under this theme should improve public understanding of U.S.–Pakistan economic cooperation, reform, and opportunity through storytelling, media engagement, and accessible public dialogue.

Examples of eligible activities include:

1. Media workshops or alumni-journalist collaborations focused on economic issues.
2. Digital storytelling initiatives explaining economic opportunity, reform, or bilateral cooperation.
3. Creative or community-based outreach that translates complex economic issues into accessible formats.
4. Alumni-produced content highlighting bilateral cooperation and shared progress.

4. Free Expression, Open Information & Digital Innovation: Projects under this theme should promote freedom of expression, open information environments, and responsible digital innovation, consistent with U.S. constitutional principles that protect speech both online and offline. Initiatives should emphasize civic dialogue, independent voices, and the role of open digital spaces in economic growth and democratic participation.

Examples of eligible activities include:

1. Alumni-led discussions on free expression, independent media, and civic discourse.
2. Programs highlighting how open digital platforms support entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic opportunity.
3. Workshops with journalists, creators, technologists, or students on ethical journalism, open debate, and audience trust.
4. Alumni-produced content showcasing the role of free speech in innovation, resilience, and community problem-solving.
5. Projects exploring technology as an enabler of opportunity, not a tool for censorship.

5. Freedom 250 – Community-Based Innovation & U.S. Best Practices: Projects under this theme should commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by showcasing how U.S. ideas, innovation, and problem-solving approaches can be adapted to local Pakistani contexts. Alumni-led initiatives should translate U.S. exchange experiences into creative, small-scale pilots that promote learning, dialogue, and people-to-people engagement.

Examples of eligible activities include:

1. Alumni-led pilot projects adapting U.S. best practices in entrepreneurship, civic engagement, workforce readiness, or community innovation.
2. Exhibits, workshops, or interactive learning experiences highlighting U.S. innovation, governance, or historical milestones and their relevance today.
3. Collaborative projects with local educators, artists, entrepreneurs, or youth groups to interpret American ideas and values through a Pakistani lens.
4. Digital or hybrid storytelling initiatives demonstrating how alumni apply U.S. learning to local challenges.