Pakistan Commission on Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Commission on Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Karachi – Lahore – Islamabad
7th – 15th September, 2013

We invite you to consider becoming part of the Commission on Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation to Pakistan.

i-genius is a world community of social entrepreneurs with members in over 200 countries. The purpose of the Commission is to better understand the rapid changes taking place in Pakistan and help boost the potential and impact of its social economy and social entrepreneurship.

The Commission will undertake its work at a time of great historical significance. A successful democratic transfer of power to a new government, along with a high proportion of energised young people and the empowerment of women are just some pointers to what is rapidly becoming a more confident country. Pakistan has massive potential to shape its own future and contribute to the development of its neighbours and the world as a whole. This represents the backdrop of our work.

Specifically, Opportunity Pakistan seeks to:

1. Raise awareness of social entrepreneurship within Pakistan
2. Identify and promote talented social entrepreneurs
3. Explore opportunities for social innovation in Pakistan and highlight emerging trends for replication in the region
4. Assess what is required to support the development of social entrepreneurship and the implications for policy makers, educators, businesses, NGOs, investment and trade
5. Assess Pakistan’s potential as a regional hub for social businesses
6. Summarise its findings and prepare new initiatives on trade, investment and learning

The tour will cover:

• Macro overview – potential and challenges (Karachi)
• Detailed scrutiny of social entrepreneurs and social businesses (Lahore)
• Policy recommendations and future plans (Islamabad)

Visits to each destination will include high level policy discussions and meetings at Universities plus a series of open meetings with community based initiatives. The Commission will seek to engage national and international media with the aim of highlighting growth potential for social businesses in Pakistan.
Provisional programme (subject to change):

Sat 7: Karachi
- Arrive and Acclimatise

Sun 8: Karachi
- Macro Economic Overview
@ Aman Foundation, Presentation by Ahmad Jalal (Abraaj Capital Dubai), Ahsan Jamil (Aman Foundation), Dr. Zaituna Shah (UN)

- i-genius Café (Karachi)
@ t2f Café, Hosted by Sabeen Mahmud (PeaceNiche), Kalsoom Lakhani (Invest 2 Innovate); Participants: open invitation to social entrepreneurs and media

- Press Conference
@ t2f Café

Mon 9: Karachi
- Partnerships for Pakistan
@ American Business Council, Hosted by Faisal Farooq, (i-Care Pakistan); Participants: i-Care, MIT Forum, OPEN Pakistan, Orangi Charitable Trust, Indus Earth Trust and GEAR

- Meeting with Yaseen Anwar, Governor, State Bank of Pakistan
@ State Bank of Pakistan

- British Council Evening Reception/Dinner

Tue 10: Karachi/Lahore
- Creating Sustainable Businesses
@ University of Karachi, Prof. Dr. Abuzar Wajidi (University of Karachi) and speaker from Institute of Business Administration

- Sustainable Business Students Scenario Game
@ University of Karachi, facilitated by Tommy Hutchinson and Shivang Patel (i-genius)

- Depart to Lahore (flight)

- Writers’ High Tea
@ Pak Tea House, Special guests: Mohsin Hamid (Author), Raza Rumi (Writer, Blogger, Columnist)

- Lahore Inner City Sight-Seeing Tour and Dinner
@ Cuckoos Den Restaurant, Hosted by Attique Ahmed (CaSoft)

Wed 11: Lahore
- Scaling up Social Businesses
@ Lahore University of Management Sciences, Panelists: Faisal Farid (Maxim International/LUMS), Faraz Khan (SEED Ventures); Participants: LUMS students

- Solving the Energy Crisis (Filmed by Capital TV)
@ WAPDA, Hosted by Chairman WAPDA

- Evening Dinner with the Chief Minister of Punjab

Thu 12: Lahore
- “What can I do for Pakistan?” Student Meeting
@ University of Management and Technology, Participants: students from UMT, Forman Christian College, Lahore School of Economics

- Sustainable Farming for Pakistan and Lunch
@ Zacky Farm, Hosted by Zafar Khan (Zacky Farm/Sofizar)

- Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
@ All Pakistan Women’s Association, Hosted by Ruhi Sayid (APWA Punjab), Speakers: Sadaffe Abid (Academic),Roshaney Zafar (Kashf Foundation); Participants: Students from APWA, Lahore College

- i-genius Café (Lahore)
@ Arbisoft, Hosted by Yasser Bashir (Arbisoft); Participants: Punjab Institute and open invitation to the community

Fri 13: Lahore/Islamabad
- Depart for Islamabad (coach)

- Meeting with Union of Pakistani Youth and Leading Youth Activists of Pakistan
@ Khubaib Foundation, Hosted by Nadeem Ahmed Khan (Khubaib Foundation); Participants: Saad Sultan (UPY), Asimah Majeed Marwat (NUPSA), Ali Hameed (Shao’or Society)

- Reception/Dinner with Prime Minister or Senior Government Minister
@ British High Commission

Sat 14: Islamabad
- The Rural Economy and Micro Finance
@ The Hashoo Foundation, Hosted by Ali Akbar (Hashoo Foundation), Syed Moshin Ahmed (Pakistan Microfinance Network)

- Shaping Education for Social Entrepreneurship and The Social Economy
@ National University of Science and Technology, Presented by Dr. Asfaq Hasan (NUST Business School)

- Publication of Commission Report & Press Conference
@ National University of Science and Technology

- Closing Dinner and Culture Show
@ Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Hosted by Qazi Azmat Isa (PPAF)

Sun 15: Islamabad
- Departure

Apply to be on the Commission
We are searching for a rich mix of 8-12 social entrepreneurs, corporate executives, policy makers, academics and media who have a keen interest in social entrepreneurship and innovation and are passionate about contributing to the development of Pakistan. Participants should anticipate a highly intense programme in which they will be expected to contribute to continuously throughout.

Cost of participation in the Commission is £1,750, which includes full programme, accommodation, meals and domestic transport within Pakistan. Excluding international flights.

To apply, please request an application form by email to team@i-genius.org. Closing deadline, Sunday 7th July, 2013.

Sponsor/exhibitor contact

Shivang Patel
[javascript protected email address]