Youth speak

Taking responsibility for our future

Time: 9:00am - 9:45am (EDT) ————— 6:00pm - 6:45pm (Pakistan)

Description: Did you know that the median age of Pakistanis is 22 years old? Pakistan is a young country with young people leading the charge for development and change. In this session youth leaders from around the globe will share examples of their work to create change and empower young people in their campuses and communities. We will brainstorm together about the roles that youth can play to create a more equal and just society and connect our ideas in concrete ways to an action plan. We plan to work together into the future as a committed network of youth activists working to build relationships between our countries at a critical time in history.

Chairs: Melody Fox and Osama Rizvi

 
 

Speakers: James Silverman, Waiza Rafique, Spencer Hinton, and Michelle Lam

Register separately here for this session only.

 

Interreligious 2

Justice for solidarity and peace

Time: 9:45am - 10:30am (EDT) ————— 6:45pm - 7:30pm (Pakistan)

Description: The origins of the US-Pakistan Interreligious Coalition, or UPIC, were premised on two fundamental, pivotal features. The first was a deep commitment to having members of all sectors of civil society from the two countries engage in meaningful and transformative 'encounters' with each other. Whatever tensions that may exist at governmental levels between the countries, our dedication was to have people-to-people interaction, dialogue, and friendship that would dispel many of the stereotypes and misunderstandings that the populations of the respective countries might harbor towards the 'Other.' Our position has been to have an expansive notion of what religion implies. For us, faith-affirming individuals from the two countries are not just religious leaders in the traditional sense but also community activists, public intellectuals, and generally those who are guided by a prophetic understanding of their faith traditions that side with social justice, harmony, compassion, and peace. Our two panels (I and II) will have extraordinary individuals from the Abrahamic faith traditions addressing the above issues, overcoming barriers created by more reactionary and exclusivist religious strands, and prioritizing mutual cooperation and solidarity for justice and peace.

Chair: Dr. Junaid S. Ahmad

 
 
 
 
 

Cultural Economics

Rural Sindhi & Urban Boston women together

Time: 10:30am - 11:15am (EDT) ————— 7:30pm - 8:15pm (Pakistan)

Description: What is cultural economics, and why should we care? By linking economic, ethical, and cultural value systems, this session creatively explores concrete programs and organizational models that have been implemented in different US and Pakistani grass-roots contexts. We discover connections and elevate best practices that empower individuals and enable local communities to flourish confidently and sustainably at the micro and macro levels.

Chair: Father Brian K. Muzás, Ph.D.

 
 

Speakers: Anjum Malik and Mela Bush-Miles

 
 
 

Outcome & Action plan

Concluding Plenary Session

Time: 11:15am - 12:00 noon ————— 8:15pm - 9:00pm (Pakistan)

Description: The conference ends, but the work continues! Join us as we weave the conference threads into an Action Plan. Then commit to bring the Plan forward to governmental, religious, academic, and community partners to achieve a JUST FUTURE together.

Chair: Father Brian K. Muzás, Ph.D.