Over 400 members and special guests, from the Pakistani community in UAE, attended the Pakistan Youth Summit 2016 last Friday at The Address in Dubai Marina.
Celebrities and activists addressed a large crowd of
youngsters at the Pakistan Youth Summit in Dubai.
Dubai: Over 400 members and special guests, from the Pakistani community in UAE, attended the Pakistan Youth Summit 2016 last Friday at The Address in Dubai Marina. The aim of the summit was to inspire the youth to be responsible and become productive members of society through self-improvement and community work. The walkway to the hall was just as inspiring, evoking a sense of nationalism with giant cutouts of iconic Pakistani monuments, like Mazar-e-Quaid and Minar-e-Pakistan, lined up each side.
Umair Jaswal, who has made waves for his multiple appearances on Coke Studio and is now playing the lead in TV serial Mor Mahal, was the first guest of honour at the summit. Jaswal is the International Human Rights Commission’s Education Ambassador to Pakistan and stressed on the value of education whilst shedding light on the disparity between public and private schooling. He spoke on what can be done to improve the system.
Anchor and activist Sidra Iqbal kicked off the event by motivating the audience to participate while actor/singer Umair Jaswal spoke about the importance and value of education.
Renowned TV anchor and activist Sidra Iqbal was the second guest of honour at the summit. Iqbal has in the past represented Pakistani youth at various global platforms, and is a proud recipient of the ‘Great Women Awards’ of the Gulf.
She kicked off the event by motivating the audience to participate, which set the mood of the event that otherwise had a shaky start. The last guest of honour for the evening was Abia Akram – chair of the Youth Council of UNICEF and co-chair of the Asia Pacific Women with Disabilities United.
Leading human rights and civil rights activist, Ansar Burney was the chief guest for the evening. He spoke about his experiences while on his journey to fight for human rights as well as on Pakistan’s relationship with the UAE. “The UAE is our second home, so we should love it and serve it as we would serve Pakistan,” he said. Burney gave out mementos and was also part of the panel discussion addressing some of the issues raised by the young attendees.
With fan following and power comes great responsibility. It is encouraging to see our celebrities embrace social causes and represent Pakistan at platforms beyond the national arena. The Pakistan Youth Summit ended with an exhibition to commemorate the Pakistanis who are working towards the betterment of the community.