This year like each year at the Conference Centre, the city of Davos brought together more than 3,000 global leaders from politics, government, civil society, academia, the arts and culture, as well as the media. I was fortunate to be part of a delegation representing Pakistan on this forum and was in the company of some of the most accomplished individuals from the country. Despite an aura tinted with political and economic uncertainty in light of Brexit, the US Government Shutdown, and the Syrian war, and an absence of some international politicians, the atmosphere at Davos resonated with the 'Davos Spirit' and the collective wisdom of some of the most promising and experienced people from different segments of society from all around the world.
As a first time attendee, I had my own set of preconceived notions about what the World Economic Forum had to offer, but post the four-day forum at Davos, I have realised that it is, not a congregation of global elites and is more than just a mark of prestige. It would be infantile to ignore that Davos is a playground for future collaboration and conversations, and an excellent platform to convert isolated personal actions into coordinated actions. It is an environment that encourages people to think deeply about the challenges the world faces, and speak freely of efforts and endeavours necessary to build a better world. An opportunity for greater interconnectedness and coordination is presented at the forum - to be honest, what you do with that opportunity and take back from Davos is totally dependent on your frame of mind.
There are multiple mandates such as networking, joint ventures and potential business partnerships, campaign and advocacy, vertical-specific future streams conversations, and cross sectoral/mandate/ country structured campaign, that drives countries, institutions and throngs of individuals towards Davos. As an attendee, I aspired to achieve two things from my participation; 1) play a tiny, yet instrumental role with my insignificant existence in representing Pakistan in a delegation alongside some very inspirational and accomplished Pakistanis, 2) and explore impact conversations and opportunities for collaboration for my organisation with global players.
As the world lies on the brink of the fourth industrial revolution, one important topic and an optimistic theme for conversation at WEF this year were how we should collectively work on harnessing the true power of the technological transformation that awaits us. As the world battles excesses of globalisation such as climate change and income inequality, conversations and dialogue on the importance of creating opportunities for the world's youth, and a greater emphasis on socially responsible businesses and social impact permeated the air.
As a delegate from Pakistan, my moment of pride was to finally see Balochistan on the global map, made possible with the participation of both Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan and the young Senator Anwar-Ul-Haq Kakar.
I was infused with hope to see a number of young leaders, Pakistani Diaspora, Pakistani corporates, military institutions, and organisations such as the Pathfinder Group, Martin Dow, Dawood Hercules, e2e, and our judiciary engaging with global players and championing Pakistan's story and brand across the Davos Promenade. To witness everyone on the same page, speaking one language, raising Pakistan's flag on this international forum, and experiencing the adrenaline of patriotism - this is an ABSOLUTE reason in itself to attend such gatherings.
Pakistan's continued participation and the Pakistan Breakfast has become an essential part of the annual gathering at Davos, and it has been made possible with the endeavours of the Pathfinder and Martin Dow group. As a Pakistani, I am truly grateful to Ikram Sehgal Sahab and the (Late) Javed Akhai for their unwavering commitment for decades to make this possible. It was promising to see Zarrar Sehgal, and Ali Akhai in spite of his father Javed Akhai's demise three months before the event, carrying forth the legacy of their fathers and this new generation leading Pakistan on an international platform. Their individual and institutional commitment to create a positive Pakistani story is an asset to the country and inspiration for all of us to do our bits on global and local spheres.
Based on the hard work and foundation laid by the Pathfinder and the Martin Dow group, the need of the hour is to boost participation in the World Economic Forum from Pakistan keeping a collective national frame of mind, so perhaps we need to concentrate more on outreach and selection. We need to work on developing a structured and more focused approach on what we want to achieve as a delegation when we participate next year. Our themes of conversations should revolve around highlighting Pakistan's role and relevance keeping in perspective its geostrategic position, its burgeoning youth population, its growing participation in the creative and social entrepreneurial economy, and its rapid expanding IT industry. I feel we Pakistani stakeholders need to be part of such conversations and demonstrate that why Pakistan is such a phenomenal value proposition to the world.
Also, we need to develop a more inclusive and diverse delegation to give a well-rounded representation from Pakistan, perhaps direct our efforts in seeking out unsung heroes from marginalised and underprivileged communities as delegates, and giving them an opportunity for exposure and interaction on a global dais.
Coming to Davos had other unexpected rewards in store for me. We met Christine Lagarde, IMF Chief, and Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan on the promenade and talked about Pakistan. During my trip, I am glad to have made an acquaintance with Richard Quest, a CNN International Anchor and reporter, and Matt Damon, despite being ranked as one of the most bankable stars by Forbes magazine; he had a certain humility about him and was passionate about alleviating the global water crisis.
A special shout out to Muhammad Azfar Ahsan - CEO Nutshell Conferences and founder CORPORATE PAKISTAN GROUP; he left me quite mesmerised with how he engaged foreign investors and global players to come to Pakistan.
I am grateful to all my fellow delegates; it was indeed a learning experience to be in your company and to share this forum with you. May Allah help us contribute and play our part towards a progressive and bright future of our country, long live Pakistan!
(The writer is co-founder of SEED Venture and Visiting Professor of Innovation & Social Enterprise, St. Mary's University London)