Regional connectivity plays a pivotal role in terms of bringing stability to society. It brings with it peace and the notion of long-term development as well. In the light of this scenario, Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) Pakistan in collaboration with National Dialogue Forum (NDF) organized International Summer Workshop (ISW) on the importance of regional connectivity, stability, and peace for sustainable development in the Pakistan- Afghanistan and the broader South and Central Asia region. The workshop commenced on August 19, 2022.
The event was based on a 10-day long exchange and dialogue program. It involved young students from Afghanistan as well as Pakistan. The event was organized with the vision to bring together all the diverse groups of young socio-political multipliers belonging to the South and Central Asian region (including Afghan refugee students). It also wants to provide them with immense opportunities related to the idea of exchanging political, economic, social, and cultural perspectives.
Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Special Assistant of the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Youth Affairs, Mr. Alfred Grannas, the German Ambassador, Mr. Thomas Seiler, Chargé d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Pakistan, Mr. Sheharyar Khan, Executive Director, NDF, Dr. Steffen Kudella, the Resident Representative of HSF Pakistan chaired the inauguration session of International Summer Workshop.
Through the means of this platform, the main purpose was to highlight the existing regional challenges and to understand the effects of new developments on these two prominent countries of Asia. This Summer Workshop selected 27 young leaders belonging to Afghanistan and Pakistan. A peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan can have a profound impact on the entire region. It can prove to be beneficial as well as advantageous for Pakistan. For all this to happen, it was extremely important for both Afghanistan as well as Pakistan to support each other and develop a mutual relationship that will benefit the people on each side.
Such initiatives are essential for bringing the people of the region together to discuss the challenges as well as future prospects. Connectivity is a prerequisite for a prosperous future for any region of the world. With respect to South Asia, which comprises prominent countries of the world, such workshops can pave the way for more youth opportunities as well as enhance connectivity between the regional states.
