During the last week, Islamabad became the epicenter of intellectual exchange and collaborative aspirations as around 150 alumni representing various exchange programs came together for a two-day National Conference on “Building the Workforce of the Future”. Supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, the event aimed to bring together Pakistani alumni of U.S. Exchange Programs for impactful discussions, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing.
Opening Ceremony and Day I of the Conference
Inspiring Voices: From Alumni Leaders to Chief Guest
Mr. Ali Hameed, Founder and Chairperson of Shaoor Foundation, took the stage shared his insights as an IVLP alumnus and Former PUAN Islamabad Chapter President. Following him, Sahibzada Aamir Khalil, Country President of PUAN, lent his voice to the occasion, reflecting on his IVLP journey.
A highlight of the morning was the Leadership Talk by Ms. Parveen Qadir Agha, Former Federal Secretary and Social Worker. Her words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the transformative power of social leadership. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairperson of the Higher Education Commission, Islamabad, then shared valuable remarks as the Chief Guest, underlining the critical link between education and workforce development.
Ms. Bettina Malone, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Pakistan in her opening remarks said, “As human resource experts, hiring manager, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, you all are testament to the strength and diversity of PUAN community-the largest and most active U.S. exchange alumni network in the world.” A collective moment was captured after the closing ceremony with a group selfie, immortalizing the diverse faces of the PUAN community.
Expert Talks and Panel Discussions: Diving into Workplace Dynamics
Following a networking, the conference began with full throttle with an expert talk by Dr. Yasir Afaq, Managing Director, and Consultant Psychologist, explored the theme of “Embracing Resilience,” offering insights into cultivating emotional intelligence for workplace success amid challenges.
Ms. Maryam Nisar, Regional Sales Director at Jazz, took the stage for an enlightening Expert Talk on “Breaking barriers and building bridges for inclusive leadership advancement.” Her expertise provided a roadmap for fostering leadership inclusivity in professional settings.
Lunch and Panel Session: Nourishing Minds and Ideas
A networking lunch provided a platform for informal discussions, fostering connections among the participants. Post-lunch, the conference shifted to a dynamic Panel Session titled “Catalyzing Tomorrow,” as the speakers explored emerging technologies and strategies to foster innovation in the workplace. Panelists included Ms. Naima Ansari, Former President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Mahrul Hassan, Intrapreneur at Ignite, and a representative from ICCI, moderated by Ms. Gull Zeba, Founder of Redmarker Systems & Humkaar Ventures EC Member RCCI.
Outreach Engagement and Group Assignments: Taking Ideas Beyond the Hall
The afternoon saw the conference extending its reach beyond the vicinities of the auditorium of the hotel. After the lunch, the participants were divided into four groups and they departed for Outreach Engagement Sessions at external locations, immersing themselves in real-world scenarios related to Commerce and Industry, Science and Technology, Technical and Vocational Education, Skills Building, and Data Analytics.
Following the external engagements, participants reconvened for an orientation session at 3:00 PM. Fifteen sub-groups were formed within each category, tasked with brainstorming innovative national project ideas based on assigned themes – a crucial preparation for the presentations scheduled on the second day.
Day II of the Conference and Closing Ceremony
Navigating Tomorrow and Exploring Digital Marketplace
The second day of the PUAN Conference dawned with a spotlight on the evolving job market. Mr. Hisham Sarwar, Co-Founder of Work Chest, a Freelance Marketplace, took the stage to share insights on “Navigating the Digital Marketplace.” Attendees delved into the opportunities and challenges presented by the dynamic e-commerce industry, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving job landscape.
Networking Tea and Expert Talk V: Empowering Safe and Inclusive Workplaces
Fuelled by networking tea, participants reconvened for an enriching discourse on safe and inclusive workplaces. Barrister Ayesha Siddique Khan, Chairperson of the Gender and Legal Education Committee at Islamabad High Court Bar Association gave her expert talk on “Empowering through Prevention”. She explored strategies and policies for effective anti-harassment initiatives, fostering a culture of inclusivity and security in professional environments.
Building Pakistan Workforce through U.S. Investments
The morning continued with a dynamic panel session addressing a pivotal topic: “Building Pakistan Workforce through U.S. Investments.” Moderated by Ms. Batool Rajput, the panel comprised industry leaders, including Mr. Ali Shaukat (General Manager, Care Cloud), Mr. Mujeeb Zahur (CEO, S&P Global Pakistan), Mr. Aamir Omar (Territory Sales Leader, Cisco Systems), and Mr. Babar Shahbaz Ahmed (Country Manager, Juniper Networks). The session explored the strategic role of U.S. investments in shaping Pakistan’s workforce, providing valuable insights for both participants and panelists.
Networking Lunch and Securing the Future with AI and Cybersecurity
After a networking lunch and prayers, the afternoon session kicked off with an exploration of the critical intersection between AI, cybersecurity, and the online job market. At 1:00 PM, Dr. Zunera Jalil, Professor and Chair at the Department of Cyber Security, Air University, Islamabad, delivered an enlightening talk on “Securing the Future.” Attendees gained a profound understanding of the imperatives for safeguarding digital identities and online accounts in an era dominated by technological advancements.
Imperatives to Build Future-Ready Workforce
The day continued with a stimulating interactive session on “Imperatives to Build Future-Ready Workforce.” Moderated by Ms. Naureen Ghaffar, CEO of N.G. Marketing, the panel included Mr. Hisham Sarwar (Co-Founder, Work Chest), Mr. Syed Ahmed Masud (CEO, Change Mechanics), and Ms. Farhat Bashir (Founder and CEO, Seerab Technologies). Discussions delved into the strategies and initiatives necessary to prepare the workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Post-Conference Evaluation and Innovative Project Presentations
The afternoon session culminated in a post-conference evaluation survey, providing attendees with an opportunity to share their feedback on the enriching discussions and sessions. The anticipation heightened as the clock ticked towards 3:00 PM, marking the commencement of group presentations on innovative project ideas. Fifteen sub-groups, each with a unique theme, had three minutes to present their visionary projects, followed by 30 minutes of expert and audience feedback. The best proposal judged by the jury was announced as winner,
Closing Ceremony: Reflections and Appreciation
The conference’s final chapter unfolded with the Closing Ceremony at 4:15 PM. Mr. Ali Hameed, Sahibzada Aamir Khalil, Kelly Ryan, Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Embassy Islamabad took the stage, offering closing remarks and reflections on the two days of insightful discussions, networking, and collaboration. The event concluded with a sense of accomplishment, leaving participants inspired and armed with a wealth of knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the evolving workforce landscape.
