Chevening alumni think tank launched

ISLAMABAD:

The British High Commission launched the Chevening Alumni Association of Pakistan — a network that will engage 1,300 Pakistani Chevening scholars to work as a think-tank to raise issues and discuss solutions pertaining to the social, economic and broader development of the country.

A reception to launch the initiative was hosted by British High Commissioner Philip Barton at his residence on Wednesday, where a selected group of scholars including the Chevening scholars of the class of 2013-2014 who recently returned to Pakistan after completing one-year masters programmes in the UK were also present.

Addressing the participants, Barton said that the Chevening Programme brings immediate benefits for individual scholars and also delivers long-term benefits for both, Pakistan and the UK. This new network of Chevening Alumni is a sign of the strong bilateral relations between the UK and Pakistan and through alumni-led events, workshops and seminars, the network will work towards identifying solutions to the social, economic and development challenges facing Pakistan,” He added.

“The creation of this alumni-led association offers a platform for our alumni, whether they are in the bureaucracy, business, education, energy, media or other fields, to roll up their sleeves and share their ideas on strengthening Pakistan, Barton stated.

British High Commission Press Attache Jonathan Williams said that while some similar programs are labeled ‘brain-drains’, Chevening is a ‘brain-gain’.

He said mid-career professionals are encouraged to apply. “They come back to Pakistan to make a difference. The program is for those with leadership qualities,” He said.

Williams explained that Chevening funding had increased and was benefiting developing countries including Pakistan, which led to a hundred per cent increase in applications that were submitted this year. He said that the program had increased the number of scholars from 18 to 70 for the 2015 academic year in various sectors that will benefit Pakistan’s development.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27^th, 2014.