Category: World

First regional edition of the British Council’s flagship global higher education conference provides a strategic forum for leaders in international education in the UK and Asia Pacific

SINGAPORE (NUT DESK) The British Council today announced its Going Global Asia Pacific Conference, which provides a strategic forum for leaders in international education to share knowledge and build a global network to shape the future of higher education across the world. The conference will take place from 28 November to 1 December 2022 in Singapore and is the first regional edition of the British Council’s flagship Going Global conference. It also marks 75 years of the British Council’s presence in Singapore and its role in advancing the city-state’s growth story through its work in the English language, Education, Arts and Culture.

The conference will explore the theme of International Education in the United Kingdom (UK) and Asia Pacific region: How to pursue equity in an inequitable world – an especially pertinent topic at a time when disparities in educational opportunities are on the rise due to the global pandemic. The conference aims to reimagine the future of education and build stronger, more inclusive, internationally connected education systems through exchange of insight, learning and ideas to benefit hundreds of millions of people across the UK and Asia Pacific region.

The conference will include both in-person and livestream sessionshe in-person events are being attended by 200 invited senior leaders in the tertiary education sector from 20 countries and territories, representing over 140 organisations across Asia Pacific and the UK at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Senior education leaders globally can also attend key segments of the conference online by registering for live stream sessions until 28 November 2022.

The conference will be opened by Maddalaine Ansell, Director of Education, British Council and attended by Sir Steve Smith, the UK Government’s International Education Champion. It will cover key themes including: The context for education in a changing world; Addressing gender gaps in higher education; Digital inclusion; How Higher Education Institutions can contribute to climate action, and many more.

Key speakers at the conference will include recognised leaders in the global education sector including Dr Libing Wang, Chief of Section for Educational Innovation and Skills Development for UNESCO Asia Pacific; James Crabtree, Executive Director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS-Asia); Rodora Turalde-Babaran, Director of Human Development at the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat; and Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Operations Officer at The World Bank, among others.

The United Kingdom is consistently ranked amongst the most popular destinations for higher education amongst students from across the Asia Pacific. Students from the region account for almost half of the UK’s 600,000 international students, including over 14,000 from Singapore alone. Some notable alumni from Singapore and the wider region include the current Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, the first female Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi and Pakistani female education activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai, to name a few.

Maddalaine Ansell, Director of Education, British Council, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting our first regional Going Global conference in Singapore this year – at the same time as we celebrate the British Council’s 75^th anniversary in the city-state – and focusing on the Asia Pacific region. We are looking forward to robust discussions on a range of topics including how to ensure that educating international students overseas also builds higher education capacity in sending countries, and that partnerships between countries are equitable and benefit everyone involved. For close to 20 years, through our flagship Going Global conference the British Council has provided a strategic forum for leaders in international education to share knowledge and build global networks that shape the future of further and higher education across the world.”  

Amir Ramzan, Country Director, British Council Pakistan, added: “The UK Higher Education sector has strong historic and academic ties with institutions across Pakistan and South Asia, but the impact of Covid 19, environment concerns and the dramatic rise in the prominence of the sector across the region require innovative collaborations to match these new realities. This is why I’m delighted that the largest delegation at the Going Global Conference is from Pakistan with 15 Vice Chancellors, led by Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairperson of the Higher Education Commission. Seven of the Vice Chancellors will be speaking at various sessions and of the total delegation 6 Vice Chancellors are women.  This is a testament to the strong partnership we have with the Higher Education Commission and the work we have done to get more female representation in the Higher Education Sector in Pakistan.”

The Chairperson of the Higher Education Commission, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed will be speaking at the closing Plenary on “Future of International Tertiary Education. In addition to this, the delegation includes, Dr Saima Hamid, Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Women University, who will be speaking at the Plenary session on Addressing the gender gaps in Higher Education. Dr Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor Lahore University of Management Sciences, will be speaking at the session on Innovation in Emerging Economies: Does University-Industry Linkage Matters for Graduate Employability whereas, Ahmed Farooq Bazai, Vice Chancellor, Baluchistan University of Engineering and Information Technology will be joining a panel discussion on “Enhancing university’s third mission through teaching and research”. Dr Iqrar Ahmed will also be speaking in a panel discussion on intellectual property.

In addition to the various conference sessions and plenaries, there will be networking opportunities built into the agenda for in-person attendees, along with organised visits and in-person meetings with representatives from some of Singapore’s world class universities and polytechnics.

The next international Going Global conference will be held towards the end of 2023. For more information on Going Global Asia Pacific 2022 please visit: https://www.britishcouncil.sg/events/going-global-asia-pacific-conference-2022.

 

Toronto (Muhammad Yasir) Acting Pakistan Consul General to Toronto Yasir Butt invited a LADIESFUND Canada Toronto delegation of Pakistani-Canadian dynamic women across sectors for an invigorating roundtable discussion on trade and business development opportunities between Pakistani-Canadian women and Pakistan.

The full house was led by LADIESFUND President Tara Uzra Dawood and included realtor Nilufer Mama, art curator Neshmia Ahmed, model Sabina Basha, manager of Memon Supermarket Sumaira Irfan.

Lahore (Nut Desk) International fashion designer Mahmood Bhatti has appealed to chief Justice of Pakistan to hear the cases against him and summon him to the Supreme Court. Addressing a press conference at his residence in Lahore with his lawyer Adnan Rame “I am interested in building an orphanage. I have a square of land on Multan Road. I gave my authority letter to a senior lawyer and he got the land in his and his wife’s name,” said Bhatti. It would have happened.

Everything has to stay here. This lawyer has registered 12 false cases against me. In Pakistan, the courts open at midnight and the verdict is given at 12:30 pm. I was also given justice and if building an orphanage is a crime then I should be sentenced to death for it. He said that I have been facing cases for a year now. If I come to Pakistan with tickets worth lakhs of rupees, if there are no cases against me, I will give the same money to the orphans.

Three cases against me have been dropped from the Sessions Court and the High Court. I do not call all the lawyers bad. I appeal to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to decide my own cases. If I am wrong, give me the death penalty on Minar Pakistan. My children do not come to Pakistan out of fear. If something happens to me, the same lawyer and his wife will be responsible.

Davos (Nut Desk) Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari along with many senior officials was the Chief Guest at the Pakistan Breakfast at Steigenberger Belvedere Hotel Davos. The Pakistan Breakfast a traditional interactive session is held at every meeting of World Economic Forum, and is a well-attended event due to the participants and speakers. . 

Pakistan Breakfast this year was hosted by the Pathfinder Group of Companies in collaboration with Martin Dow Group on Wednesday, May 25. Prominent political figures including CM Sind Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Environment & Climate Change Sherry Rehman, and Federal Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar along with a large number of business leaders and professional attended the event.

Mr. Zarrar Sehgal, co-founder Pathfinder Group welcomed the guests and shared the objectives of the Pakistan Breakfast. He said that such discussions between political and business leadership may play a pivotal role in policy making. While sharing his viewpoint on Pakistan’s economic sector, Mr. Sehgal said that Pakistan has a huge potential for investors and its stable economy would be generating a huge impact on regional growth.

Addressing the breakfast session, the youngest foreign minister shed light on a variety of topics including the challenges rising from the economy, Covid-19 pandemic, food security, energy, challenges in climate change as well as Pakistan’s relations with its neighboring countries especially Afghanistan and India. Terming Pakistan as a responsible state, foreign minister said that the country will never compromise its national interest and will of people will prevail. Bilawal Bhutto said that we would soon be witnessing the day when Pakistan would be enjoying friendly relation with all of its neighbors including India.

Managing Director World Economic Forum Mr. Jeremy Jurgen also shared his views on this occasion. He shed light on global trade facts and opportunities specifically for developing countries.  Head of Martin Dow Group Mr. Ali Akhai extended his gratitude to the foreign minister for attending the event.

Davos (Nut Desk) Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari along with many senior officials was the Chief Guest at the Pakistan Breakfast at Steigenberger Belvedere Hotel Davos. The Pakistan Breakfast a traditional interactive session is held at every meeting of World Economic Forum, and is a well-attended event due to the participants and speakers. .

Pakistan Breakfast this year was hosted by the Pathfinder Group of Companies in collaboration with Martin Dow Group on Wednesday, May 25. Prominent political figures including CM Sind Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Environment & Climate Change Sherry Rehman, and Federal Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar along with a large number of business leaders and professional attended the event.

Mr. Zarrar Sehgal, co-founder Pathfinder Group welcomed the guests and shared the objectives of the Pakistan Breakfast. He said that such discussions between political and business leadership may play a pivotal role in policy making. While sharing his viewpoint on Pakistan’s economic sector, Mr. Sehgal said that Pakistan has a huge potential for investors and its stable economy would be generating a huge impact on regional growth.

Addressing the breakfast session, the youngest foreign minister shed light on a variety of topics including the challenges rising from the economy, Covid-19 pandemic, food security, energy, challenges in climate change as well as Pakistan’s relations with its neighboring countries especially Afghanistan and India. Terming Pakistan as a responsible state, foreign minister said that the country will never compromise its national interest and will of people will prevail.

Bilawal Bhutto said that we would soon be witnessing the day when Pakistan would be enjoying friendly relation with all of its neighbors including India. Managing Director World Economic Forum Mr. Jeremy Jurgen also shared his views on this occasion. He shed light on global trade facts and opportunities specifically for developing countries. Head of Martin Dow Group Mr. Ali Akhai extended his gratitude to the foreign minister for

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  To strengthen trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Switzerland, Pakistani think tank Karachi Council on Foreign Relations has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) at Pakistan’s Pavilion at ongoing World Economic Forum Davos yesterday. 

The MoU was signed by Chairman SACC Dr. Urs Lustenberger and Chairman KCFR Mr. Ikram Sehgal while the ceremony was witnessed by a large number of government officials, businessmen and other participants at WEF. The Memorandum ill allow both organizations to collaborate on research projects and in managing different mutual operations including conference, dialogues and forums to enhance trade activities.

SACC Chairman Dr. Lustenberger expressed his immense pleasure on this occasion and stressed that both organizations can learn from strengths and expertise of each other.

While addressing on this occasion KCFR Chairman M. Ikram Sehgal termed the MoU as a first step towards cooperation between KCFR and SACC. This will bring working together in different fields and addressing various issues of concern, Sehgal added.

The Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is a private organization, providing a forum for all firms, institutions, government bodies and individuals interested in the economic and business relations between Switzerland and Asian nations.

Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) is a prominent Karachi based think tank working since 2003 in the fields of Foreign Relations and Economic Affairs.
KCFR holds seminars and conferences on topics relating to National and International issues concerning Pakistan while it regularly interacts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, institutions, foreign envoys other dignitaries during their visits to Pakistan to meet the objectives spelled out above.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) ICOM Pakistan organised a panel discussion to mark the International Museum Day on 18th of May 2022 at Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore. The event began with an opening note by the Principal of Kinnaird College Dr Rukhsana David who is also the Chair of ICOM Pakistan. She gave a short history of ICOM and museums in general. She shared that each year there is a theme for the International Museum Day and this year it was the Power of Museums. This year the idea is to try bring about a positive change in the community through three lenses: The power of achieving sustainability, the power of digital innovation and accessibility and the power of community building through education. She said it was indeed heartening to have museum professionals on the panel to discuss and share their knowledge about museums. Dr.Christina Menegazzi , a professional on heritage and museums delivered a talk followed by the panel discussion with former Director Lahore Museum, Dr. Saif ur Rehman Dar, Dr. Muhammad Hameed, head of Archaeology Department , Punjab University and Mr. Mujeeb Khan, keeper of pre –Islamic art collection at Lahore Museum. Students, faculty and guests showed a keen interest in the panel discussion on museums and appreciated Kinnaird College for Women and ICOM Pakistan to have arranged this very interesting and informative session on museums.

Geneva (Nut Desk) Pakistani Youth Delegation participated in 15th Session of Human Rights Committee which was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The aim of the Session was to bring together the full diversity of the Human Rights community, policy makers, practitioners and researchers from all geographical regions, at local, national, regional and international levels.

Global Youth Advocate of United Nations, Chairman Youth Revolution Clan and Head of Pakistan Youth Delegation Mr. Rizwan Anwar represented Pakistan and discusses and endorse in his speech about the “Protecting Human Rights in an increasingly automatized word: Artificial Intelligence, opportunities for Human Rights Activists”.

He said the Youth of Pakistan has great potential and energies for the social and positive society transformation but youth of Pakistan is always neglected at all levels, international organizations need to provide opportunities to the young people of Pakistan as youth involvement is essential for the achievement of SDGs at all levels.

The UN Secretary-General has referred to young people as the “torchbearers” of the development framework and we should all continue to work towards strong and effective participation of young people and youth organizations in the development agenda, especially to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal for the Sustainable Future. Maha Jamil Co-Chair of YRC and Director at KCLCD, Kinnaird College for Women further added in her speech that Gender balanced youth groups can be trained for Social Activism on Artificial Intelligence for Social Transformation and Sustainable Development.

(NUT DESK)

Project spreads over 30-acres with a Continuing Care Retirement Community including assisted living facility for elders in first phase New Jersey – USA Imamia Medics International (IMI) has formally launched work on its flagship Dream Project in Robbinsville, New Jersey. An impressive ceremony was held in this connection at a hotel in New Jersey on 15th Shaban, Saturday 19th March.

The event was attended by distinguished guests and dignitaries belonging to different walks of life. Notable guests included Consul General of Pakistan in New York, Ayesha Ali, Member of New Jersey Legislative Assembly Sadaf Jaffer, Christine Mercer being the leading figure of the Mercer County, and veterans of the Vietnam War. The office-bearers, volunteers, supporters of the IMI along with community elites also attended the ceremony in a large number. A presentation highlighting IMI’s Dream Project was held in the hotel. Later, a magnanimous flag hoisting ceremony was held to raise the US Flag as well as the IMI Flag and Alam of Hazrat Abbas (AS) on Dream Project site in Robbinsville, New Jersey.

Over 30 esteemed guests took part in the Tree Planting Ceremony at the project’s site as the first site activity. They expressed good wishes, assured financial assistance, and prayed for the success of the project. Speaking on the occasion, IMI Founder, Dr. Syed Wajih Rizvi, mentioned that education has emerged as a matter of life and death for the Nation. He said that good health was a prerequisite for the provision of quality education. He stated that a child belonging to a third world country should be healthy for getting education. Education for children is necessary for keeping a nation healthy, he said. Dr Rizvi said the IMI’s dream project stood for the fulfillment of fundamental human needs including education, health, and livelihood. The first phase of the IMI’s Dream Project relates to the Assisted Living Facility, that is designed to provide quality life, healthcare, faith and culture specific needs to community elders .

The Dream Project will spread over an area of 30 acres featuring facilities and activities for people from all age groups. These facilities include professional nursing services, rehabilitation of the ailing persons, plaza reserved for the practicing doctors, IMI headquarters, a modern studio for the Mi-TV, state-of-the-art digital library, auditorium, smart classrooms for Sadiq International Virtual University, gymnasium, and a multi-purpose hall for 500 persons.

IMI is a US-based charity that was founded in a basement of a New York home some thirty years back. A group of like-minded fellows, having full commitment to serve humanity, generously pooled whatever spare money they had to form IMI as the scope of its charitable work kept on extending with the passage of time. At present hundreds of doctors, scientists, professionals, volunteers associated with IMI have been serving humanity round-the-clock through 75 projects in over 17 countries, including an extremely active chapter in Pakistan.

IMI’s humanitarian services stand for serving the people free of charge without any discrimination on the basis of religion, race, and color. IMI supports projects in the fields of education, health, public welfare, and emergency assistance and relief to serve humanity with full commitment. IMI seeks support from its well-wishers from around the globe to continue with its mission to serve humanity. https://imamiamedics.com/page/donate

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Infinix is celebrating International Women’s Day around the world today throughout the entire company which operates in over 40 countries worldwide. Wonderful women have always been one of the keys to Infinix’s success as a company and today they celebrate their steadfast contributions to the Infinix brand. To celebrate Women’s Day Infinix launched its #Prettyfearless campaign and put together three stories of adventurous women who have gone above and beyond to push themselves to the limit.

Chalita Suansane: Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita Suansane is a world famous Thai beauty queen. With the dream of becoming a beauty queen from a young age, Chalita Suansane fearlessly entered the competition with high hopes of winning, she was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2016 on July 23, 2016. Chalita Susane displayed a strong character and stamina in this tough competition coming out on top. She is a massive inspiration for Thai women.

“I wish that I can inspire, especially women, to be the best version you can be. You have to find the courage and strength within yourself” – Chalita Suansane Palvasha Sultan: Car Racer Palvasha Sultan is an ultra-competitive rally car racer from Pakistan. Racing in the Cholistan desert, Palvasha Sultan competed in a race that is typically 90% male, being one of the few females in the race she managed to overcome her competition and come out in 3rd place.

She displayed heroic courage diving in tough climates and goes on to complete as a desert rally car driver. She inspires women to compete access Pakistan. Racing against tough male competition she motivates women all over Pakistan to stand up for themselves and fear nothing as a woman in 2022.

“Fearlessness has taught me to believe in myself, not to care about ‘what people say’ or to follow gender stereotypes” – Palvasha Sultan ATSIVON Afiwa Odette: Fitness Instructor ATSIVON Afiwa Odette is a fitness instructor, bodybuilder, Coach, Blogger, Dancer & Choreographer from Togo and has made it her life’s mission to strive to be the best in everything she does. Setting and believing in her goals throughout her multiple journeys in life has given her the strength and determination to be the best woman she can be.

She exercises for hours every single day and inspires women to grow and build upon themselves in a world where women have no limits. “I want to encourage women to be their better selves. To invest in yourselves, and to take care of yourselves mentally and physically. The sky is not even the limit for us. So be fearless and just go for it!” – ATSIVON Afiwa Odette All three of these women have displayed terrific courage in taking part in these extreme events and they inspire pretty fearless women all around the world to do more, push ourselves outside of our comfort zones and grow to be the best they can be.

Infinix deeply shares these values by creating outstanding products with rich features at attainable price points that empower women in emerging markets worldwide.

At Infinix, women who enjoy total gender equality make up a significant key component of the workforce managing teams, leading projects and taking the Infinix brand to new heights year on year. 2022 certainly is a great year to be a pretty fearless woman.