Learned a lot and enjoyed even more. As the name itself suggests, the conference was basically a gathering of the youths from all over the exotic South Asian region. The vibrant youths of South Asia (Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Srilanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh) came together to participate in this grand event. The whole conference was divided into three themes: Peace, Education and Sustainable Development which I believe are the major issues of South Asian family today. Even the most critical issues such as border issues, identity issues and citizenship issues were also put forth during SAYC 2012.
To provide a clearer picture, the various sessions and programs of the 6 days conference are mentioned below:
Day 1- Opening ceremony
The Opening Ceremony of the South Asian Youth Conference 2012 was held on 5th November at the Pak china Friendship Center. The federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Inaugurated and chaired the Opening Ceremony. The Ambassador of Maldives and Cuba Also joined the ceremony.
Day2- Peace
The second day kicked off with interactive session by Faisal Sabzwari, Dr. Lal Khan, Rafay Alam, Samar Minallah and Ambreen Wahid. After that there were exciting workshops by Youth Impact, Team SAYC, Media Voice, National Youth Forum and Mukee and Jatin (2 of the delegates). Workshops were followed by thematic session and the clans met for the first time. The day ended with a dinner hosted by Youth Minister of Sindh Mister Faisal Sabzawari.
Day 3 – Education
The 3rd Day kicked off with a Key Note Session by MNA. Dr Nafisa Shah (Chairperson NCHD) Followed by a Q & A Session with the Delegates. The Key note Session was followed by a panel Discussion with Noor Aftab, Saadia Naz, Huma Khawar, Samina Parvez & David Smith USEFP. A Session by Syed Salman Chishty regarding spirtuality was also conducted. Workshops were conducted simultaneously by NCHD, IPAC, Karuna Parajuli ( Delegate from Nepal). The Day ended with a rock concert and dinner at IBEX Club.
Day 4- Sustainable Development
The Day Started with a key Note session by Mustansir Tanoli , followed by a Panel discussion involving Ambreen Waheed, Mustansir Tanoli, Umair Jaffar, Tek Mahat, Gwendolyn Kulick. Later on the day continued with workshops conducted by ” Naseem Khan Achakzai (president of HILA) , Mustansir Tanoli, Attock Refineries , Sarosh ( PCI ), Granaz Baloch (Delegate) and Akshat. And an exclusive session by the Foriegn Minister of Pakistan Miss Hina Rabbani Khar was held accompanied by Rector Nust Eng. Asghar Khan and Founder Hila Naseem Khan Achakzai. The Day ended with a cultural festival setup at IBEX Club.
Day5- Action Projects
Action Projects started off at Trail 5 with a Tree Plantation Ceremony. Later on the Environment and Ecology Group Joined the “D-Juice Cleanup Islamabad Drive ” and the second group was sent to Mashal Model School ( A local Partner of HILA ) . The day ended with a City Tour for all the Delegates.
Day 6- Closing ceremony
The closing ceremony was held at the Pak China Friendship Center where some of the delegates sat together and prepared a South Asian Declaration that shall be submitted to the United Nation very soon. And some other delegates were involved in an interview hosted by one of the national channel of Pakistan. A musical night was organized for the delegates where the very renowned singer Gulam Ali Shahab addressed as the chief guest. The delegates were also provided with certificates and a SAYC T-shirt as a symbol of appreciation.
In this way, the SAYC 2012 was concluded. And finally, I would like to add up that I am absolutely looking forward to sensibly put into action the knowledge gained at SAYC 2012.
Cheers to South Asia and South Asians!!!!!!!!!
Aaditi Khanal – (A delegate from Nepal)