Call to empower locals through community initiatives

Experts discuss exceptional role of stakeholders in pursuing sustainable uplift

The Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution (IICR) hosted a webinar titled "Community and Social Work Initiatives: Empowering Local Change-Makers," on Monday, fostering dialogue on grassroots challenges and innovative approaches to community empowerment.

The discussion, moderated by Dr Amna Mehmood of the Islamic International University Islamabad, provided a collaborative platform to address persistent challenges in grassroots social work and to explore innovative approaches to community empowerment.

The panel included speakers such as Vice Dean at the School of International Studies at Sichuan University, China, Dr Song Zhihui; Executive Director of the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Sri Lanka, Dr George Cooke; Senior Research Fellow at Hunan University, China, Dr Tahir Mumtaz Awan; and Lebanese Youth Activist and Researcher in International Law, Anwar Ghais. Each panelist brought unique insights from their region, focusing on strategies to overcome barriers such as limited resources, lack of visibility, and difficulties in scaling community initiatives.

The discussions highlight the exceptional role of local stakeholders in pursuing sustainable development. The panelists stressed that empowering local communities to take ownership of projects ensures their long-term viability and relevance.

Real-world examples from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East showcased how grassroots innovations in healthcare, education, and legal advocacy are transforming lives. For instance, integrating technology in health care in Pakistan is bridging healthcare gaps in rural areas, while literacy programs in Sri Lanka are empowering marginalized groups, particularly women. Similarly, legal advocacy movements in Lebanon have achieved significant progress in promoting human rights and social justice.