Regional Connectivity Center, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar (SBBUWP) and the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, hosted a one-day international conference on “Enhancing Regional Connectivity for the Betterment of Shared Future of Mankind.”
The conference, held on June 11th, 2024, at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, brought together prominent scholars, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors to discuss the importance of regional connectivity in building a better future for all.
Vice Chancellor SBBWU Professor Dr. Safia Ahmad (TI) also appreciated the role of Regional Connectivity in the prosperity of region and for the better future of Mankind. MS Basir Ali Director Project Management Unit KP, Mr. Iqbal Sarwar Director KPBOIT and Vice Chancellor Gomal University Prof Dr. Shaqeeb Ul Hassan were among the guests.
Professor Li Huailiang, Dean of the Institute for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing, delivered online speech and appreciated the efforts of SBBWU for establishing this center which will server for the betterment of the whole region.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad emphasized that the establishment of this center underscore the critical importance of building bridges across regions, developing cooperation, and working together towards common goals.
Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his speech, Governor Kundi emphasized the significance of fostering regional cooperation and integration for promoting economic growth, social development, and shared prosperity.
Director Regional Connectivity Center SBBWU Dr. Zarmina Baloch highlighted the promising role of this center in enhancing collective vision and commitment in flourishing closer ties among the regional countries.
The experts discussed a wide range of topics related to the concept of a Community with a Shared Future. These included the role of infrastructure development in facilitating trade and investment, the importance of cultural exchange and people-to-people interaction, the impact of technological advancements on regional integration, and strategies for promoting peace and security in the region. They emphasized that this concept adheres to equality and encapsulates an inclusive community of values. It embraces differences, respects all, and advocates for universal prosperity and common development.
The discussion concluded with a call to establish partnerships based on equal treatment, increase mutual consultation, and develop security patterns founded on fairness and justice. The concept of shared future is rooted in the principles of inclusivity, cooperation, and mutual understanding. A Community of Shared Future emphasizes active listening and respect for diverse viewpoints. The speakers also addressed how to engage in constructive dialogue to forge a dynamic shared future. Building a community with a shared future for mankind is rooted in the belief that the world is an interconnected and interdependent community where countries share common interests and responsibilities.
Ten presentations on regional connectivity were given by students from the Department of Art & Design. The conference was attended by 200 students and experts. The conference provided a valuable platform for participants to share their insights and explore ways to strengthen regional cooperation for a more prosperous and sustainable future.