Staff Reporter
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) held the 3rd International Conference on Research and Learning ‘Beyond Action, Towards Transformation’ today in Islamabad. The conference focused on developing further dimensions in knowledge and assessed how PPAF’s interventions for the poor have led to transforming lives and communities. Research scholars, national and international speakers, representatives from Government of Pakistan, academia, donor agencies, civil society, media, PPAF partner organizations and community members attended the conference.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Dr. Sania Nishtar was a keynote speaker at the inaugural session of the conference. Addressing the audience on the occasion, she said, “I would like to congratulate PPAF on putting together the 3rd International Conference on Research and Learning which shall help us all in navigating the impact of the Graduation Program on a national scale. Through the Poverty Graduation Program we aim to make the beneficiaries independent and self-reliant by providing the vulnerable segments of society with livelihoods and social protection. The government in the battle for greater social and economic equality is constantly striving towards this goal and aims to enhance the process of transformation. Under the ambit of Ehsaas we envision to empower millions across Pakistan by laying greater emphasis on asset transfer.”
CEO PPAF, Qazi Azmat Isa, shared his thoughts and said, “The 3rd International conference on Research and Learning is a reaffirmation of our commitment towards enabling the poorest of poor. Through our Poverty Graduation Initiative we aim to provide opportunities and support households for economic stability.”
Other notable speakers included Hubert Boirard, Country Programme Manager, Pakistan, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Dr Imran Rasul, Professor of Economics at University College London, Mr Ijaz Nabi, Mr Rehan Rafay Jamil, Ms. Ruven Menikdiwela, Country Representative for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Pakistan and many others.
