Pakistan was well represented by its next generation of leaders at the International AIDS Conference in Montreal, Canada. The event was attended by prominent young Pakistani leaders like Umair Asif (Founder, Kafka Welfare Organization), Joshua Dilawar (Founder, Institute for Social and Youth Development — ISYD), Laraib Abid (Founder, MASHAL), Abishay Gill (Creative Director, Institute for Social and Youth Development — ISYD), Samreen Sohail (Founder, CHANAN Development Association), Mahnoor (Founder, Khawaja Sara Society), Dr. Sara Gill, and others.
These future leaders of Pakistan have been awarded full scholarships to travel abroad and spread awareness of the great work being done by young people in the fields of health and wellness and youth empowerment in Pakistan.
Close to 12,300 people from 161 countries attended in person or virtually the first fully hybrid AIDS conference organized by the International AIDS Society. It’s both the final chapter and the first page of a brand new story. Over the course of the past five days, they have re-engaged their collective expertise in science, policy, and activism to move closer to their common goal of eliminating HIV as a threat to global health and personal well-being.
These future leaders presented research papers, ran sessions, spoke on panels, and even put on a cultural performance of Pakistani traditional music and dance at the conference’s Global Youth Village.
Umair spoke at a panel in the Global Village and Youth Pavilion about using sports to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. In addition, he participated in the Montreal Youth Force, the Global Village, and the Youth Pavillion Committee and Working Group.
Speaking at a session called “Achieving Youth Empowerment and Strengthening Young Voices,” in which Joshua took part as a guest speaker, Montreal Youth Force. And Joshua did the same thing with his abstract on young people and HIV/AIDS. He talked about the kids’ opinions with Carolyn Bennet (Canada’s current Minister of Health) and Jean-Yves Duclos (Canada’s former Minister of Health) (Minister of Mental Health and Addiction).
At the Montreal Youth Force’s ‘Young Leaders Panel,’ Laraib shared his thoughts. Along with showcasing her work, she spoke about the significance of youth voices and meaningful youth participation at all levels, from the grassroots to the policymaking table.
A cultural performance showcasing Pakistani and regional traditions was also organized by Abishay, Joshua, and Laraib and presented at the Global Youth Village.
These future leaders also met with Senator for the Government of Canada, the Hon. Rene Gracia, to discuss the importance of expanding opportunities for young Pakistanis.
