Dawood Global Foundation and UNDP co-hosted the 9th LADIESFUND UNDP Sustainability Powerhouse. Held at the Acton House Gardens, Runnymede British Deputy High Commission Karachi. Supported by ADB and the World Bank, with the theme “Empowered with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
In lieu of Partnerships for the Goals.
The event centered around UNSDG Goal #17 Partnerships for the Goals. By bringing together powerful, dynamic people across sectors to meet. More so to network and find ways to connect and support each other for the achievement of People, Planet and Prosperity.
The British Deputy Head of Mission Martin Dawson warmly welcomed guests!
To share insights about the Deputy High Commission’s 15 years of collaboration. With the LADIESFUND and his own personal three-year journey and relationship with LADIESFUND. He commended LADIESFUND for its “exceptional impact on society. Hence particularly in advancing initiatives aligned with the UNSDGs. But also for its wonderful work for education of girl child. Along with food rations, wheelchairs and women entrepreneurs.”
He expressed his admiration for LADIESFUND’s dedication to empowering women and fostering societal growth. Hence highlighting how its initiatives resonate with global goals for progress. Concluding his remarks, Mr. Dawson extended his heartfelt good wishes to LADIESFUND and the esteemed guests present at the occasion.
LADIESFUND President Tara Uzra Dawood welcomed guests!
Hence giving a powerful speech about Pakistan’s legacy of being natural recyclers and up cyclers. Specially those wanted to work with UNDP and other developmental agencies. In order to not only train our people in our traditional sustainability (bottle gali, madka kulfi, newspaper covers for street corn). And regenerative sustainability, solar ovens and ecommerce but to take our trainings to other countries. “Pakistan’s care for our country is one that we are very proud of and others can learn from.”
Rida Amjad Malik, UNDP, spoke about UNDP’s recent collaboration with Dawood Global Foundation
Specifically for green skills trainings of 1200 youth in Interior Sindh. And their long standing partnership with LADIESFUND since 2015’s Educate a Girl Climate. Where 400 female journalists were trained in Climate Journalism. She also spoke about looking forward to more collaborations with the LADIESFUND.
Sarmad Khan, formerly of UNDP.
Who had flown from New York City just for the event. He spoke about being tasked by UN Secretary General to spearhead the implementation of the UNSDGs. He emphasized, “Goal 17 serves as the cornerstone of sustainable development. Hence fostering collaboration among governments. Also the private sector, and civil society to achieve the global objectives. By promoting inclusive partnerships built upon shared vision and mutual goals. This aim ensures the mobilization of resources, technology, and expertise needed to address pressing challenges effectively. Sarmad stressed the importance of collective action and strategic alliances to create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.”
More Speakers from diverse backgrounds!
Jaweria Ali spoke about being a news anchor today with roots as an Educate a Girl scholarship girl. Faisal Kachelo reflected on a challenging time a few years ago when Interior Sindh faced a devastating flood. And how Tara Uzra Dawood and the team of Dawood Global Foundation had come in person with 5 trucks of food rations.
The gathering also featured a heavy hitting ECG panel of women, sponsored by HMB.
Which trailblazers in aviation (Ayesha Afzal, PSO), e-publishing (Ameena Saiyid) and sustainable finance (Madiha Sarim Alvi, HMB). As well as Farrukh Sabzwari (CEO, PSX), Mehfooz Qazi (World Bank Sindh Solar Project), and Haroun Khawaja (ADB Manila) who had flown from Philippines.
Guest list for the event!
The Who’s Who Guest list of 200 included Senator Nasreen Jalil, Senator Javed & Shabnam Jabbar, Jamila Habib, Tariq & Sabiha Kirmani, Amin Gulgee, Yaseen Anwar, Syed Ali Raza, Naeem Zamindar, Frieha Altaf, Saquib Malik, Shamaeel Ansari, Seema Taher Khan, Fatema Hassan, Izdeyar Setna, Hamida and Ayaz Dawood, Ameena Saiyid, Moneeza Butt, Sabiha Khatri, Aysha Baqir, Haseeb & Amrah Khan, Faisal Kachelo, Pir Muhammad Saleh, Irfan Soomro, German Deputy Head of Mission Andreas Wagner, Samir Dossa, Abid Qamar, Zeba Shah, Maliha Bhimjee, Nuzrat Khan, et al.
Awards and recognitions!
Senator Nasreen Jalil won the Best Dressed award for the Eco Glamour dress code. Hence wearing a stunning block print sari that is the height of class. A true symbol of our culture, as well as eco-fashion having been worn more than 30 times before. Nabila Bano delivered an outstanding rendition of both the Pakistan and British National Anthems. Muhammad Rajper expertly served as the Compere. Misbah Khalid beautifully performed the recitation. With Atiya Khan providing a thoughtful and eloquent translation of the recitation. Fatema Hassan recited a heartwarming Urdu poem on the environment.
All were awarded for their commitment to UNSDG and women businesses trained in aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Honourable sponsors!
Some sponsors awarded include Habib Metro, Pakistan State Oil, Faysal Asset, Bisconni, and Ismail Global. Along with Maple Solar and Flow Petroleum and Bombay Light House and our angel OGDCL. The organizers also expressed gratitude to key partners. Hence including Nestlé, Nescafé, Igloo, Sania Maskatiya, Depilex, Macarron, IRMA. And an array of exceptional stall exhibitors such as Unique Collection, Jugnu Candles, Meem, and StarShine-Truck Art.
The funds generated from this event will be utilized towards the charitable efforts of DGF for women advancement with intended focus on Educate a Girl.
