Irtiqa ’13: Leadership For Social Change

Among all the non-profit organizations working in Pakistan, Acumen is a relatively new name. However, it is a name that is recognized globally, and has grown at a very remarkable pace, affecting more than a 100 million lives with its efforts. At its core, Acumen is an organization that that raises charitable donations to invest in companies, leaders, and ideas that are attempting to ‘change the way the world tackles poverty’. How? Visit their website here and find out. It is indeed an accomplishment for a non-profit to accomplish so much on such a large scale in so little time.

In Pakistan, Acumen is beginning to spread its roots by beginning its Pakistan Fellows Program which is providing the opportunity for emerging leaders from the country to receive world-class training and collaborate with like-minded individuals so that they can be the change that Pakistan needs. Members of this Fellows Program are hosting a conference this saturday, titled Irtiqa ’13, which intends to bring together innovative ideas for a political, economic, and social revolution in Pakistan. The conference involves various stakeholders including social entrepreneurs, development partners, media, youth, academia, public sector, community members and beneficiaries. Stakeholders from various sectors of entrepreneurship, media, academia, public administration and community will be engaged in vigorous discussions and activities endorsing action by the people.

The conference will be bringing together visionaries and personalities leading in their fields, for hardcore discussions and reflections on the current social and political-economic scenario in Pakistan. The diverse yet strong team of speakers and panelists will be conferring and answering questions on the themes of Community Infrastructure Development, Human Development and Importance of Art in Creating Social Impact at home and abroad. The discussions seek to be both inspiring and informative for the attendants, who it is hoped will take away from the conference, vast added knowledge as well as a will to act for social change. Speakers include Darcey Donovan,  Tariq Mian, Zebunnisa Bangash 9of Zeb & Haniya), Nadia Jamil and many others.

Stalls will be put up by Acumen Pakistan Fellows for exhibiting their initiatives as well as for the display of socially conscientious art. Fellows’ presentations and documentaries shall be played on a large display screen for interested attendees. Tea and refreshments will also be served to participants and attendees and the Fellows have also arranged for a theatrical performance to be made on the social issues of Pakistan which is titled ‘Dugdugi.’ The conference is open to all and seats will be allotted on a first come first served basis with the event scheduled to start at 1330 hours. YC advises any readers who are hoping to attend the event to reach the venue as early as possible to ensure a seat for themselves.