USAID Conference in Pakistan Focuses on Empowering Women and Minorities

USAID Conference in Pakistan Focuses on Empowering Women and Minorities

In a significant move to empower women and minorities, Kate Somvongsiri, the Mission Director of USAID in Pakistan, inaugurated the four-day conference "Breaking Barriers Through Diversity and Inclusivity (BBTDI)." The event, hosted by the National Rural Support Program (NRSP) with support from USAID and the All Pakistan Women Universities Consortium (APWUC), aims to unite women professionals, academics, scientists, and community leaders from the U.S. and Pakistan to address pressing challenges like climate resilience, sustainable water management, and incorporating local wisdom into actionable strategies.

The conference underscores the crucial role of women in sustainable development and brings together representatives from various institutions, highlighting the power of global engagement. President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi highlighted the unique opportunity for knowledge exchange and cooperation between scholars and researchers of both countries. United States Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Pakistan's diversity initiatives, particularly in education, healthcare, and economic development.

The conference aligns with the U.S. Government's dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and USAID's development vision, emphasizing the significance of International Women's Day. Participants will engage in keynote speeches, workshops, and networking opportunities to share insights, build partnerships, and contribute to creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.