[Davos, Jan 21 st , Tuesday]— The event, Inspiring Pakistan was organized by Pathfinder Group at the Pakistan Pavilion in Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025. Held in association with the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR), Providentia Books Foundation (PBF), and SwissCham Asia.
The aim was to promote the image and investment in Pakistan and provide insights into Pakistan’s journey and achievements with dialogue among distinguished visionaries and industry leaders. Inspiring Pakistan highlighted the nation’s strengths, resilience, and opportunities, presenting a roadmap for growth and global recognition.
Dr Huma Baqai, Senior Vice Chairperson of KCFR & Rector of Millennium Institute of Technology Entrepreneurship (MiTE), moderated the event. The esteemed speakers included Micheal Kugelman (Director, Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute), Adam Weinstein (Research Fellow, Quincy Institute), Nadira Panjwani, Chairperson KCFR, Dr Urs Lustenberger (President, SwissCham Asia), Dr S. Irfan Ali (President, Pioneer Medical Group), and Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar (Special Assistant to CM Sindh for Investment & Public-Private Partnership).
Micheal Kugelman commended Pakistan’s resilience and vast untapped potential. He highlighted the abundance of resources – ranging from minerals and renewable energy resources to a vibrant youth population and tourism opportunities. Adam Weinstein appreciated Pakistan's limitless potential and recommended taking real steps towards progress in education and economic growth.
Dr Urs Lustenberger spoke about celebrating the success stories of resilience, creativity, and innovation that shine through Pakistan and seizing the opportunities to reshape Pakistan’s narrative as a state, ready to thrive and lead and the nation’s potential for regional leadership. Habib Paracha and Dr S. Irfan Ali discussed key strategies for Pakistan's progress and transformation. To address the challenges with proven solutions. The importance of integrating compassion with strategic action to drive meaningful change in Pakistan and beyond.
Nadira Panjwani highlighted nation's strong culture of philanthropy is driven by family values, religious obligations, and its commitment to community welfare. She emphasized Public-private partnerships and calls for greater transparency and regulation in the nonprofit sector.”
Hassan Sharif Khan, an IT Entrepreneur, shared his insights on the growing impact of generative AI, particularly in financial services. Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar talked about Pakistan’s resilience and praised public-private partnerships (PPP) for their success in overcoming the challenges. He emphasized the importance of projecting
Pakistan positively on the global stage.
The event concluded with Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of Pathfinder Group, expressing gratitude to the speakers and attendees. He acknowledged the 20 years of partnership with Davos by the Pathfinder Group and emphasized viewing Pakistan as an emerging powerhouse. He praised Pakistan's philanthropic efforts and urged that the country be viewed for what it truly is – an emerging powerhouse.
