The Center for Indian Studies at the Institute for Strategic Studies (ISSI) organized a one-day seminar on ‘Generation Strategic Cohort 2024’ as part of its activities aimed at engaging young scientists and academics in policy dialogue. foreign policy and strategic issues in South Asia. More than 28 young researchers from different parts of Pakistan and experts from different think tanks and universities participated in this seminar.
Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director of India Learning Center, welcomed the participants in the opening ceremony and introduced the theme, objectives and model of the event.
Speaking on the occasion, ISSI CEO Sohail Mahmood praised the young scientists for their enthusiastic participation in the event. He said that ISSI’s new vision prioritizes engagement with youth and the institute recruits the next generation of professionals with fresh ideas and fresh perspectives. He emphasized the importance of developing a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the complex problem at hand, making more informed and rational assessments, and proposing a more innovative approach to solve long-standing challenges and realize emerging opportunities.
The first session consisted of three lectures.
In the second session, the young scientists were divided into six groups, each tasked to discuss and propose ways forward in various issues ranging from security and foreign policy to trade and unconventional threats in South Asia. Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman, Kashmir Institute of International Relations, Teacher, for young scholars in this session; Ambassador Riffat Masood, former Pakistani Ambassador to Iran; Dr. Neelum Nigar, Center for Strategic Perspectives (ISSI); and Dr. Shaheen Akhtar, Professor, Department of IR, National Defense University (NDU). The teacher appreciated the efforts of young scientists and researchers and emphasized the importance of deep and rigorous thinking on national and foreign security issues.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmoud, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, gave his closing speech. Certificates were distributed to the participants as a sign of appreciation for their active participation.
