The Middle East, responsible societies and peace comes under discussion on day 3 of International Youth Conference

Experts exchange opinions on various issues.


Mavra Bari October 21, 2011

ISLAMABAD:


The third day of the International Youth Conference started with an interactive debate about Middle East’s stand on democracy. Other concerns were whether the Arab Spring has rebranded the Muslim youth.


The speakers included Noman Benotman, former head of the Libyan militant organisation known as the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, and Maajid Nawaz, former member of the Islamic political group Hizbut Tahrir. Both of them, having abandoned their pro-extremist ideologies, are now proponents of peace-keeping policies and are affiliated with organisations promoting counter extremist theories.

The theme of “responsible societies” was furthered by keynote speaker Prashan de Visser of Sri Lanka Unites, who spoke about his personal experience of fighting against the Tamil Tigers, a separatist militant organisation formerly based in northern Sri Lanka. He addressed ways in wounds from violent conflicts can be healed and immense role that youth can play in this.

Tariq Malik from NADRA delivered a speech positing NADRA as a catalyst for change in Pakistan’s information system. NADRA is implementing solutions such as multi-biometric identity cards and passports, automated border control, citizen registration, e-driver’s license and vehicle registration and identification, monitoring system, facial access control, e-toll collection system, e-commerce platform and smart card based solutions, he said.

Todd Shea, chief operating officer of Shine Humanity, accompanied his speech with a Pakistani song exhibiting his adoration for Pakistan and eagerness for relief of flood victims. He narrated how he came to Pakistan in October 2005 immediately after the earthquake and founded Comprehensive Disaster Response Services in 2006.

Addressing the theme of “Non-violence in a violent world” was Jeremey Gilley, founder of PURE productions and a renowned humanitarian and peace promoting filmmaker. He spoke about finding a starting a starting point for peace and how it can be maintained. The role of media tools such as film is vast, according to him as it spreads awareness and empowerment.

Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy, a prominent environmental, social activist and physicist, delivered a speech on the ideological struggles being faced in Pakistan. Being a strong and avid supporter of peaceful use of nuclear technology, non-nuclear proliferation and disarmament he criticised the United States, Israel, Pakistan and India for their nuclear programs.

Ending the intellectually-charged day was a fundraiser concert for the Sindh flood victims with artists such as Todd Shea, Atif Aslam and Qayaas. The conference that attracted almost 300 youth from 12 countries beamed with culture and diversity as young boys and girls formed circles and chanted peace slogans in their languages. Stalls from Lahore-based Ajoka theatre, Quebe and ‘Chamak patti’ (truck art) added to the festive vibe.

The conference was organised by Khudi Pakistan and Miradore Production.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2011.

COMMENTS (2)

Mavra | 12 years ago | Reply

Sorry my mistake. I could not stay for the entire concert as I had to give in the article by 8:30 pm. So had to get the information about the bands playing from the hosts.

shani | 12 years ago | Reply

Nice Post ... i was there @ the 1st day , & i am impressed by the work khudi & miradore done to organize iycf2011 .

Amazing work ......

but i think atif was not present today>>> only todd shea,arieb azhar & qayas,, so plz make the correction ,, thanx

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