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WORKSHOPS
1.Pak-Afghan Youth Media Workshop (29th-31st Oct)
A Tapestry of Connection: The Pak-Afghan Youth Media Workshop
Imagine a vibrant canvas, where threads of understanding and empathy are painstakingly woven into a masterpiece of cross-cultural connection. From October 29th to 31st, a remarkable “Pak-Afghan Youth Media Workshop” unfolded in Islamabad, transforming abstract notions of diplomacy into tangible bonds. It was a three-day journey where the future of Pak-Afghan relations began to shimmer into being.
The workshop’s genesis was marked by a radiant opening ceremony, graced by the presence of Ms. Wajiha Akram, the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Pro-training. Her address, like a carefully chosen first brushstroke, set the tone for an enriching experience. As the sun set on the final day, illuminating a memorable closing dinner and cultural night, the event welcomed H.E. Ahmad Shakir Qarar, First Secretary at the Afghan Embassy Islamabad, whose presence, like a final, harmonious chord, underscored the diplomatic significance of the gathering. Throughout these three days, Islamabad played host to a diverse and eager group of Afghan students and media personalities, opening its arms to a profound exchange.
The workshop itself was a dynamic studio, filled with a vibrant palette of activities. It involved interactive lectures, where ideas flowed freely; engaging talks, where experiences were shared like precious stories; illuminating exposure visits, offering glimpses into new perspectives; and various hands-on exercises, allowing participants to sculpt their understanding in real-time. Each element was meticulously designed to foster connections that transcended mere acquaintance.
Threads of Understanding: Key Takeaways
As the workshop drew to a close, a beautiful set of “key takeaways” emerged, much like the intricate patterns revealed in a finished tapestry:
- Bridging the Gap: From Pixels to Presence. The most profound outcome was the ability for participants and speakers to interact physically rather than virtually. This wasn’t just a shift in medium; it was a leap across a chasm, allowing for a deeper understanding and a genuine, palpable mutual respect to blossom between the Pak-Afghan youth. It was the difference between seeing a photograph and feeling the warmth of a handshake.
- A Symphony of Cultures: Shared Rhythms. The workshop expertly aided in promoting Pak-Afghan youth collaboration, fostering a truly unique cultural exchange. Imagine a vibrant festival where each culture brings its most cherished traditions, sharing their songs, stories, and laughter, creating a harmonious new melody together.
- A Digital Hearth: The PAYF General WhatsApp Group. A major, tangible outcome of the workshop was the establishment of the PAYF General WhatsApp Group. This wasn’t merely a digital chatroom; it became an open forum for 94 participants to continue their journey of dialogue. Here, they could freely discuss and share concerns over the Pak-Afghan relationship, all while deepening their understanding of each other’s rich cultures. It was a digital hearth, keeping the embers of connection glowing long after the workshop concluded, promising a continuous flow of shared ideas and mutual respect.
2.Multiplying Thoughts: Narratives & Storytelling in a Digital World (29 Jan-31 Jan, 2021)
Whispers in the Digital Dreamscape: Narratives & Storytelling in a Digital World
Imagine a vast, shimmering loom woven from light and code, where the very fabric of reality is spun from stories. From January 29th to 31st, 2021, a profound journey into this digital dreamscape unfolded: “Multiplying Thoughts: Narratives & Storytelling in a Digital World.” It was a gathering where minds converged to understand the subtle art of shaping perception in an increasingly interconnected world.
The initiation of this journey began with a magnificent opening dinner, a shimmering feast where prominent figures served as guides. Senator Faisal Javed, Senator Sitara Ayaz, and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly were the esteemed Guests of Honor, their presence lending weight and vision to the endeavor. As the workshop concluded, a closing dinner brought forth new luminaries: Mr. Qasim Suri and Parliamentary Secretary, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, whose participation underscored the importance of the insights gleaned.
Throughout the sessions, a diverse chorus of voices led the way, each a master weaver of thought: media personalities, influencers, policymakers, retired army personnel, academicians, and researchers. They brought forth their unique perspectives, illuminating the intricate patterns of digital narratives. The workshop specifically gathered a vibrant contingent of Pakistani digital media influencers, a cohort of 25-30 participants from all across Pakistan, eager to explore the depths of this new frontier. Through hands-on activities, discussions unfurled about the very essence of narratives and the inherent risks of exploitation within this boundless digital realm.
Echoes of Connection: Threads Woven in the Digital Realm
As the journey through the digital dreamscape concluded, several profound “key takeaways” emerged, like new constellations appearing in the night sky:
- The Birth of a Social Media Nexus:The most tangible outcome was the establishment of a social media Nexus. Imagine a vibrant network of stars, each representing an influencer, now connected by invisible threads of shared purpose. This nexus promised to be a dynamic constellation, amplifying voices and fostering collective action.
- Bridging the Chasm: Academia Meets the Digital Undercurrents: A vital bridge was forged, connecting the academic realm with the so-called ‘troll network’. This was akin to bringing light into shadows, enabling understanding and strategic engagement where once only chaos reigned. It sought to transform digital noise into meaningful dialogue.
- A Liaison of Influence: Pak-Afghan Digital Ambassadors:The workshop actively worked to enable a liaison between Pak-Afghan influencers. This was a dream of two rivers, flowing separately yet yearning to converge, now finding a shared channel to carry messages of mutual respect and understanding across borders.
- Guardians of the Narrative: Responsibility in the Digital Age:The sessions instilled a deeper sense of understanding and responsibility for social media usage, specifically geared towards Pakistan’s narrative building. This meant not just telling stories, but crafting them with purpose, mindful of their impact. It was about recognizing the immense power within public diplomacy, harnessing it like a gentle but pervasive wind to carry Pakistan’s true essence across the digital landscape.
