The International Foreign Women’s Association (IFWA) in collaboration with Serena Hotels on Sunday organized the vibrant “Taste of the World 2026” food festival in Islamabad, bringing together global cuisines, diplomatic communities and philanthropists under one roof while raising Rs2 million for charitable causes supporting visually impaired individuals.
The festival featured 24 stalls representing various diplomatic missions, each offering authentic traditional dishes from across the world and providing guests with an immersive culinary and cultural experience.
The event was formally inaugurated by Adviser to the Chairman Senate, Ms Misbah Khar, IFWA President Nompumelelo Abu Basutu along with Serena Hotels CEO Aziz Boolani, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange, international friendship and community engagement through shared experiences.
Speaking on the occasion, Aziz Boolani said Serena Hotels remained committed to creating platforms that celebrate cultural diversity while contributing meaningfully to society. He said “Taste of the World” reflected the organization’s vision of bringing together international communities while supporting a cause that extends beyond the event itself.
Nompumelelo Abu Basutu said the initiative had brought together cultures in a truly meaningful way by showcasing the richness of global traditions while reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and compassion. She said IFWA was pleased to partner with Serena Hotels in delivering an event that combined cultural celebration with a purposeful cause.
Besides celebrating global cuisine and cultural diversity, the festival also served a humanitarian purpose, with proceeds from the event to be donated to charitable organizations on IFWA’s panel working to improve the lives of visually impaired individuals.
Organizers announced that a total of PKR 2 million was raised through the initiative, reflecting the collective generosity of diplomatic missions, corporate partners and attendees.
Serena Hotels reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural exchange and social responsibility through meaningful initiatives that bring communities together while creating a positive impact on society.
