The Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Convention 2025 started with a panel discussion titled ‘Collective efforts in shaping development agendas,’ setting the tone for a gathering that brought together prominent voices from Pakistan’s civil society, academia, and development sectors. The session explored the themes of localisation, youth engagement, climate action, and food security.
Salman Abid opened the panel discussion with a reflection on alarming data from the recent economic survey, spotlighting the pressing threats posed by climate change and food insecurity. He emphasised the critical need for community-driven responses to development challenges.
Aisha Jamshaid, Country Director of Welthungerhilfe (WHH), advocated for greater youth participation through local government elections, noting that 60% of Pakistan’s population comprises young people whose innovative ideas remain largely untapped. She called for attention to the decline in civic activism, particularly among young women, and urged for renewed investment in volunteerism.
Siraj ul Haq reflected on the 25-year journey of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), highlighting its grassroots partnerships and disaster recovery initiatives, including collaborative governance models developed after recent floods. He praised LPP’s model of community-centered development, rooted in the legacy of Orangi Pilot Project founder Akhtar Hameed Khan.
Chairman FAFEN, Mukhtar Javaid, addressed the widening disconnect between state institutions and civil society. Citing Pakistan’s donor-reliant network history as unsustainable, he urged for homegrown solutions and a recommitment to volunteerism. He proposed forming a Northern Development Consortium inspired by the Southern model.
Dr Abdul Saboor offered a stark assessment of poverty and fiscal misalignment in Pakistan. He noted the contradiction between massive budget allocations for elite schools and the meager funding for the science and IT sector. He urged civil society organisations to step in where elected representatives fall short, and to realign development agendas with local needs and realities.
Speaking on food security, Ghulam Mustafa highlighted the paradox of Pakistan being a top producer of staple crops while nearly half its population lives in poverty. He called for a people-centered approach to development, prioritising access to clean water and essential services.
A video message from Mubarak Sarwar, CEO of AGAHE, underscored the value of indigenous knowledge and grassroots wisdom. Representing AGAHE on-site, Abdullah reinforced this view, stressing the importance of learning from past mistakes rather than repeating them.
The second panel discussion, ‘Advancing the Safeguarding and Social Cohesion Agenda,’ was led by Aalia Sundas. It examined the collaborative roles of district forums, CSOs, and statutory bodies like the Ombudsperson’s office.
Aftab Akhund from RDF shared experiences from post-conflict regions on community-led safeguarding. Ubaid Chaudhary discussed integrating formal justice mechanisms with grassroots engagement. Saima Faiz from SPO emphasised the need for inclusive local structures and institutionalised protection norms, especially for women.
Sajid Bhatia highlighted the significance of interfaith harmony in strengthening national unity. Dr Benjamin from REEDS Pakistan connected climate vulnerability with safeguarding mechanisms, advocating for integrated, responsive governance.
Later in the day, several prominent voices offered keynote addresses. Jamshaid Fareed, Chairperson of the National Humanitarian Network (NHN), commended the Southern Development Consortium (SDC) for convening the event at a critical time. With donor funding shrinking, he stressed that civil society get united to defend civic space and protect the integrity of grassroots development.
Prof Dr Muqarrab Akbar drew attention towards the role of educational institutions in fostering peace and resilience. In a video address, Shahnawaz Khan, CEO of SPO, called for civil society to stand united against rising threats to civic freedoms.
Zahida Qureshi, CEO of SFSP, concluded the session with a heartfelt speech, applauding the collective spirit of the Convention. She emphasised the inclusion of marginalised groups, highlighting the recent passage of the Disability Act and urging society to own and support the most vulnerable.
The convention served as a significant milestone in collective efforts towards inclusive development. It provided a platform for diverse stakeholders, including development practitioners, government representatives, civil society actors, academia, media, and community leaders, to engage in a dialogue aimed at amplifying the voices of marginalised groups—particularly women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and transgender communities. It also offered an opportunity for networking and institutional reflection, with the goal of creating systemic structures that ensure equitable participation and representation for all.