KARACHI: One of the world’s leading entrepreneurship platforms has selected 20 innovators from Pakistan and Middle East to drive global best practices in the region. With Pakistani entrepreneurs and startups playing a key role in fostering $150 billion in exports by 2025, 20 entrepreneurs were selected to receive access to fundraising, resources, and mentorship at a regional and global level. At the event, 18 regional entrepreneurs attended, while two additional Syrian entrepreneurs were also selected as Changemakers but could not attend. At the first-ever ChangemakerXchange Summit for entrepreneurs from across Middle East, sponsored by social entrepreneurship platform Ashoka and digital transformation enabler SAP. As part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Pakistani government supports entrepreneurs and startups to achieve Pakistan Vision 2025 goal of $150 billion in exports by 2025. In line with Pakistan Vision 2025, Ashoka and SAP are supporting Pakistani entrepreneurs who want to make a positive difference in society. By exchanging global best practices in knowledge and innovation, Pakistani entrepreneurs can expand their projects to reach a wider audience, said Gergi Abboud, Managing Director for SAP Gulf, North Africa, Levant and Pakistan. For people with disabilities in Pakistan, Tanzila Khan’s Creative Alleypromotes talent and capacity building through arts and culture activities and social events. In Pakistan, Madeeha Raza became a Changemaker for women-empowerment programme ‘Women through Film’, Azeem Hamid’s Independent Theatre Pakistan and Saad Hamid’s School of Skills support youth development. “Through ChangemakerXchange programme, I will be able to collaborate with regional organisations to promote people with disabilities’ hidden potential in the creative arts and help them reach their dreams,” said Tanzila Khan. Published in Daily Times, August 23rd 2017.