IGNITE National Technology Fund to Contribute to Pakistan Foresight Initiative

IGNITE National Technology Fund to Contribute to Pakistan Foresight Initiative

 

Strategic Partnership between AGAHI and IGNITE on Futures Research and Development to cultivate the dynamics around the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Puruesh Chaudhary, Founder-President AGAHI and Yusuf Hussain, Chief Executive Officer Ignite Sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Futures Research and Development in Pakistan.

Islamabad, August 23, 2017 – AGAHI a not-for-profit organization and the country partner of the Millennium-Project, a Global Futures Studies & Research participatory think-tank, came into mutual agreement collaborating on foresight research and development by signing a memorandum of understanding with IGNITE National Technology Fund (formerly National ICT R&D Fund Company) to spadework Pakistan’s future to lead the Fourth Industrial revolution focusing on technologies and on the ecosystem of development initiatives to fulfill its of fostering a knowledge economy in Pakistan. In a statement, Ms. Ansha Rahman Khan, Minister of State for Information Technology & Telecom said, ‘this is a critical partnership which will position Pakistan globally in terms of research and development of information communication technology sector in the country’.

The mission of AGAHI is to advance the horizon of Pakistan’s future by establishing Foresight Lab that would be responsible to generate and disseminate cutting-edge knowledge for the benefit of students, of industry, of policymakers, academia and of society. Yusuf Hussain, CEO Ignite said, AGAHI will facilitate the team by identifying emerging trends, opportunities, in developing skills and the curriculum; This strategic partnership will not only strengthen the existing programmes but will also work towards increasing awareness on the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Pakistan, one by creating a taskforce on this significant transition and two by developing a National Strategy paper on the Future of Work. The MoU signing ceremony was convened at the premises of IGNITE in Islamabad. The strategic linkage between the two organizations will provide opportunities to shape institutional transformation and thought leaders to complement the traditional department-based structures with trans-disciplinary knowledge capital, focused on identifying societal challenges and their long-term solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, co-founder Foresight Lab and Chairman, CEO Interactive Group of Companies Dr. Shahid Mahmud stressed on "how in the age of consciousness there is a dire need to develop a deeper sense of how the non-state actors in an environment where the 4^th wave is imminent will be shaping the digital, biological and physical dimensions of futures research".   

Pakistan Foresight Initiative is designed to enable decision-makers to opt for data-driven foresight approach in the policy domain. This Initiative is led by a collaborative-network of academia, think tanks, experts and professionals along with a wider community contributing to futures knowledge. Puruesh Chaudhary, the Founder and President of AGAHI country partner of the Millennium Project said, ‘this partnership with Ignite reinforces our belief in a much promising future of the country; where we’ll be encouraging not only our collaborative-network but also the global community to harness a future that ensures the happiness of the humanity’. Also present at the meeting, Ms. Farzana Yaqoob President Asia Public Policy Institute; and member Policy Network of the Foresight Lab.

The collaboration will also further, amplify the engagement of all relevant stakeholders in foresight activities to help promote broad social debates and formation of futures research programs pertinent to Pakistan’s Foresight initiative, leading to an improved understanding on the paradigm of Fourth Industrial Revolution and how it will shape the futures discourse. AGAHI with its local partners Interactive Group of Companies and Eikon7 along with other leading academic institutions are creating a model that will have the ability to track expected state of the future over time at national, provincial and district levels – that will enable decision-makers to opt for the most informed policy choice. Foresight Lab a facilitative platform engaging 20 different Pakistani universities and think tanks on developing Pakistan State of Future Index ‘Anticipating 2027’, with an aim to improve the wellbeing of the people of Pakistan.

Amir Jahangir, CEO Mishal Pakistan, Partner Institute of the World Economic Forum explained how different indicators from the work that the Forum does contribute to systems and processes globally which enhances the ability of the decision-makers in different countries; this influence is driven by intensely accumulated data insights from over a 130 different nations, Pakistan needs to leverage from such a powerful community in order to improve the quality of life of the people in the country.  The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or 4IR, is the fourth major industrial era since the initial Industrial Revolution of the 18th century. The Fourth Industrial Revolution can be described as a range of new technologies that are fusing the physical, digital and biological worlds, and impacting all disciplines, economies and industries. Founder and Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Prof. Klaus Schwab has associated it with the "second machine age" in terms of the effects of digitization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the economy, but added a broader role for advances in biological technologies.

AGAHI is a not for profit organization established in Islamabad in 2011 under the Society Registration Act 1860. Its primary function is to create non-paid communication strategies, content intelligence structures, development collaterals and tools for diverse sectors and organizations. AGAHI encourages and advises individuals and institutions in pursuing and supporting initiatives to improve the state of development in Pakistan. It works on developmental frameworks facilitating information and knowledge sharing platforms on understanding challenges in global perspective. Its research work mainly focuses on national and international security, ICT, competitiveness, human security, and governance. AGAHI in association with several leading national and international partners focuses on creating shared spaces for interactive learning, collaborative thinking, and knowledge sharing. It is at the forefront of devising foresight research and future scenarios work in Pakistan. AGAHI works with highly motivated and qualified professionals who have substantial experience in learning and leadership development.

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Mishal Pakistan and AGAHI in Collaboration with Media Development Trust Creates the TRUST GOLD MEDAL (TGM)

Mishal Pakistan and AGAHI in Collaboration with Media Development Trust Creates the TRUST GOLD MEDAL (TGM)

Recognizing The Best Public Interest Communication Campaigns in Pakistan with THE TRUST GOLD MEDAL (TGM) to Recognize the Best Strategic Communication Campaign on Public Interest Issues. 

Pakistan has produced a legacy of brave hearts since times immemorial. Probably there is not enough space to measure their sacrifices and achievements. However, we cannot close our eyes to those people who have made our country proud by excelling in their own fields and bringing us international recognition. In order to commemorate their achievements, Mishal Pakistan and AGAHI in collaboration with the Media Development Trust are pleased to announce The TRUST GOLD MEDAL recognition to the exceptional service of professionals and organizations towards the advancement of strategic communication in Public Service Campaign of the highest order.

THE TRUST GOLD MEDAL was born out of a strange paradox. Every profession recognizes annually the superlative performance of one of their own. There are few opportunities for truly great people and organizations to be recognized by their peers. Therefore, we honour individuals as well as organizations, whose exemplary efforts over long periods of time in difficult environments have inspired us to greater heights. The purpose behind recognizing these professionals and institutions is intended to locate, identify and recognize the initiatives of the public sector institutions, corporate sector, voluntary/non-profit organizations and individuals who are addressing and fostering excellence in the field of strategic communication in public interest.

Eligibility Criteria

The TRUST GOLD MEDAL 2015 is conferred to professionals, institutions, voluntary organizations, civil society institutions and individuals in urban as well as rural areas in Pakistan involved in activities and programmes inter alia aimed at ‘Fostering Strategic Communication in Public Interest’ The Trust Gold Medal shall be given in recognition of excellence, result-oriented performance and commendable achievements on the following prerequisites:

• Measurable impact on Public Sector i.e. Knowledge empowering communities through improving strategic communication between citizens and institutions or key stakeholders;
• Consistent pursuit of promoting activities encouraging efficiency in the public service delivery;
• The extent and range of the nominee’s activities stimulating similar action by other individuals/institutions in Pakistan.
• The impact of the communication campaign should lead to mobilization of new resources for improving overall status of the public service delivery.
• Extent of convergence and networking with other organizations.
• The communication should work as a multiplier effect on the critical thinking capability of the stakeholders.
• Building public sentiments of ownership and pride contributing towards a more informed society.

VALUES AND ETHICS CELEBRATED AT AGAHI AWARDS – BEYOND 2015

VALUES AND ETHICS CELEBRATED AT AGAHI AWARDS – BEYOND 2015

The AGAHI AWARDS, Pakistan’s most sought after journalism awards held on 25th April, 2015 at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad. Leading opinion makers, senior journalists, policy makers, diplomats, academicians, leading professionals from the media industry and representatives from think tanks attended the award ceremony.

The Agahi Awards recognize and celebrate the work of dedicated journalists, promoting ethical journalism and quality reporting shaping the future of journalism.

An annual series of journalism awards in Pakistan, the platform was co-founded by Mishal Pakistan and AGAHI. The awards are effort to create appreciation mechanism in Pakistan for ethical and quality content. The evaluation methodology and criteria of the awards have been designed by AGAHI on the pillars of Media Development Indicators of UNESCO, in collaboration with the Center for International Media Ethics (CIME) and input from UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

The ceremony was presented by Syed Shamon Hashmi and Sanaa Ahmed; This year AGAHI Awards received an overwhelming response by the journalist community, where more than 3000 nominations were received from all over the country across more than 50 different categories in print, television, radio and online content. Peoples’ Choice Awards categories included “Current Affairs Anchor of the Year” and “News Channel of the Year” in Pakistan. The team reached out to more than 5 million people through social media and 1.5 through SMS campaign and direct feedback.

Peoples’ Choice Award for the “Most Favourite News Channel”, third consecutive year went to GEO NEWS. Mubasher Lucman and Meher Abbas won the most favourite “Current Affairs Anchor of the Year” Awards. Agahi Awards – Beyond 2015 ‘Investigative Journalist of the Year’ went to Amir Zia for his cover story in the Newsline “Is the Party Over?”. Nadeem Malik from SAMAA TV was awarded the “Most Credible Anchor” based on the Media Credibility Index developed in collaboration with more than fifteen journalism schools in Pakistan.

The AGAHI Awards – Beyond 2015 winners included, Mubarak Zeb Khan (Foreign Policy), Waleed Tariq (Business and Economy), Allah Bux Arisar (Water and Food Security), Yusuf Sohail (Innovation), Imran Malik (Corporate Social Responsibility), Meera Karim (Economic Opportunity), Saleem ur Rehman Afridi (Community Driven Local Development), Almas Naqvi (Democratic Values), Irfan Haider (Anti-Corruption), Zahir Shah Sherazi, Alia Chughtai, and Asad Hashmi (Extremism and Terrorism), Amber R. Shamsi (Law and Order), Aneela Ashraf (Judiciary), Umar Bin Ajmal (Infotainment), Sara Farid (Photojournalism), Mureeb Mohmand (Human Rights), Saba Eitizaz (Disaster and Catastrophe), Zahid Gishkori (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights), Hanif Samoon (Child Rights), Syed Babar Ali (Dignity), Riaz Sohail (Interfaith), Lala Hassan (Journalist Safety), Hassan Belal Zaidi (Media Ethics), Muhammad Atif Sheikh (Youth Empowerment, Vocational and Technical Training), Khalid Khattak (Education), Mansoor Malik (Curriculum Reform), Sultan Dogar (Education Infrastructure and School Condition), Sehrish Wasif (Out-of-School Children), Shabbir Wahgra (Children with No Access to Schools), Fayaz Ahmed (Girls’ Education), Abdul Shakoor (Public Spending on Education), Dr. Irfan Ahmed Baig (Energy), Bina Shah (Women Empowerment), Zia Ur Rehman (Governance), Bushra Qamar (Culture), and Salman Haqqi (Open Government).

The Awards have created appreciation for journalism in fifty different categories including business and economy, democratic values, conflict, anti-corruption, crime, education, infotainment, the nexus between water, energy and food security, gender and governance, health, extremism and terrorism, peace journalism, rule of law and dignity among other categories; thus creating media diversity across print, television, radio and the online media.

The AGAHI Awards have been the foremost media development initiative for media and journalism in the country. The awards have identified some of the most talented and diligent journalists in the industry. The Agahi Awards winners have now acquired decision-making and leadership position across the media industry for “Shaping the Future of Journalism” in Pakistan.

The AGAHI Awards aims to ensure diversity in content and inclusion of social issues to be highlighted in media, Mishal Pakistan in collaboration with Ilm Ideas (a four year UKaid supported initiative) created the Education category further dividing them into eight sub-categories. This has not only increased the quantum of education content in media, but has also encouraged journalists to write more on the socio-economic and political challenges on education reporting in Pakistan.

The support for the AGAHI Award for work and journalism on corporate social responsibility came from support from Philip Morris International Pakistan (PMIP). The AGAHI Awards recognized the National Rural Support Program, Bunyad, Idara-e-Taleem o Agahi and Duplex for their work for creating social dividends for the communities and society in general.

The Awards have been organized in collaboration with leading press clubs, local and international media development institutions, regulatory authorities, civil society organizations, private and public sector bodies and other stakeholders.

Mishal Pakistan is the country partner Institute of the Center for Global Competitiveness and Benchmarking Networks at the World Economic Forum. Established in 2003, Mishal has been engaged with key stakeholders in Pakistan to improve the state of media and competitiveness through good governance initiatives.

AGAHI is a not for profit working since 2011 to create non-paid communication strategies and strategic foresight. AGAHI encourages and advises individuals and institutions in pursuing and supporting initiatives to improve the state of development in Pakistan. It works on developmental frameworks facilitating information and knowledge sharing platforms on understanding challenges in global perspective. It’s research work mainly focuses on national and international security, ICT, human capital development, and governance.

Inaugurated on March 28th, 2012, the AGAHI Awards are an annual series of awards for journalism in Pakistan. These are Pakistan’s first ever journalism awards recognizing the best journalists across print, television, radio and the internet on more than 40 different journalism thematic beats. AGAHI and Mishal Pakistan in collaboration with leading press clubs across the country, local and international media development bodies, regulatory authorities and the private sector organize these awards.

The AGAHI Awards are the most sought after awards for journalism in Pakistan, and have been the foremost media development initiative for media and journalism in the country. The awards have identified some of the most talented and diligent journalists in the industry. The Agahi Awards winners have now acquired decision-making and leadership position across the media industry for “Shaping the Future of Journalism” in Pakistan.

AGAHI AWARDS – Beyond 2015 | WINNERS

   

   

   

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

     

    

  

   

   

   

   

    

    

     

AGAHI Awards for Journalism Excellence to be held in Pakistan.

AGAHI Awards for Journalism Excellence to be held in Pakistan.

The AGAHI Awards, Pakistan's most prestigious journalism awards, have opened submissions for journalists across the country. Journalists can submit their best work in print, television, radio and blogs through the Agahi Awards' website, www.agahiawards.com. With Awards to be held on 15 April 2015, the deadline for submission of articles, news reports has been announced as 22 March 2015.

The Agahi Awards, launched in 2012, has received an overwhelming response by the journalist community, development organizations and support from international media development and representative organizations. The platform for appreciating quality journalism was created by Mishal Pakistan and AGAHI represented by Amir Jahangir, Young Global Leader (YGL) and Puruesh Chaudhary, Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum.

This year the AGAHI Awards – Beyond 2015 will be creating appreciation for journalists reporting on Pakistan’s development challenges, especially in the context of the Global Beyond 2015 initiatives for socio-economic empowerment for improving the human conditions, said Puruesh Chaudhary, President AGAHI and Co-Founder AGAHI Awards.

“The awards are a way of recognizing journalists for their efforts and contributions towards Pakistan’s young media industry”, said Amir Jahangir, CEO Mishal Pakistan and Co-Founder of Agahi Awards. Furthermore he said, “the Pakistani media industry in its short duration has played an important role in developing public and stakeholder opinion”. “Through a transparent judging system awards create a space for qualitative and ethical journalism to be acknowledged in Pakistan”, said Jahangir.

More than 1500 journalists submitted their work in the AGAHI Awards 2013, which were almost 100 more than the awards debut in 2012. This year with more than 30 categories, the Awards aims to create content diversity in media by introducing journalistic genres, which impacts the society at large. With a large number of categories the journalists will compete on qualitative and ethical journalism standards. The categories for this year's awards include: Agriculture, Business & Economy, Competitiveness, Creating Shared Value, Crime, Dignity, Disaster and Catastrophe, Education, Energy, Water & Food Security, Corporate Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship, Environment, Extremism & Terrorism, Foreign Policy, Governance, Health, Human Rights, Information Communication Technology, Infotainment, Innovation, Interfaith, Journalism for Peace, Judiciary, Media Ethics, Millennium Development Goals, Photojournalism, Post-2015 Development Agenda, Right to Information, Social Entrepreneurship, Sports, and Youth Empowerment with several other subcategories. Agahi Awards - Beyond 2015 has one of the most respected, reputable and globally recognized Jury Panel, which will assess the performance of journalists on a content evaluation criteria developed by AGAHI in collaboration with the Center for International Media Ethics (CIME).

The Agahi Awards are the most sought after journalism awards in Pakistan, which are held in collaboration with leading press clubs, local, and international media development institutions, regulatory authorities, civil society organizations, private sector and other stakeholders. The awards have identified some of the most brilliant and professional journalists in the industry. The Agahi Awards winners have gradually progressed in their profession; where some have either reached a decision-making or leadership position in the industry or have received academic and scholarly excellence for “Shaping the Future of Journalism”.

“Pakistan Foresight Initiative” Launched by AGAHI, Pakistan Node of The Millennium Project.

“Pakistan Foresight Initiative” Launched by AGAHI, Pakistan Node of The Millennium Project

The Millennium Project and AGAHI sign a MOU, collaborating on Global Futures Studies and Research and specific applications for Pakistan.

The magnitude of the challenges that Pakistan is already facing is a crucial indicator to provide the population with meaningful knowledge skill-sets that would create an environment for policymakers, legislatures and political groups to realign the decision-making process. A test case study has been launched in 2012, to assess the Future of Pakistan until 2060. The research conducted was to check and test assumptions about Pakistan’s future among the leadership and wider society, explore perceptions of Pakistanis from both inside and outside the country, and identify future risks and opportunities.

 

Puruesh Chaudhary, Founder and President AGAHI said that “the ‘Pakistan Foresight Initiative’ creates a great opportunity for stakeholders in Pakistan to contribute to the global information system across 15 challenges such as: Sustainable development and climate change, Clean water, Population and resources, Democratization, Global Foresight and Decision-making, Global convergence of IT, Rich-poor gap, Health issues, Education, Peace and Conflict, State of Women, Transnational organized crime, Energy, Science and technology, Global ethics. AGAHI will partner at national and sub-national levels with experts and organizations based of their contributions, expertise and knowledge for producing specific futures studies and the State of Futures Index-Pakistan.”

AGAHI assumes the lead responsibility as a country Node for The Millennium Project in Pakistan to help improve humanity’s future prospects. Jerome Glenn, co-Founder and Director of The Millennium Project said that “humanity needs to think together in a systematic research-based common platform about our planetary future; The Millennium Project’s annual “State of the Future” reports and the Global Futures Intelligence System has begun to address that need.” On behalf of The Millennium Project with its 55 Nodes around the world, Glenn welcomed the Pakistani Node to connect the views of Pakistan’s future-oriented institutions and individuals with others around the world to help build a better future for humanity as a whole.

Puruesh Chaudhary is also a member of the Planning Committee of The Millennium Project, which oversees the quality of the Project’s work, assuring that its research is apolitical, publishing results, and promoting public awareness and dialogue.

AGAHI in its independent capacity is developing alliances with key stakeholders at the academic and government tiers, with individual experts and civil society organizations in order to advance the purposes of foresight thinking in policymaking and strategic planning in the country.

AGAHI-Network will work on producing research that focuses on human capital development, strengthening institutions in Pakistan and Globally by institutionalising futures thinking on matters related to human security and territorial sovereignty, and participate in The Millennium Project studies. The Millennium Project is currently preparing to conduct a global assessment of how to prepare for future changes in the nature of work as artificial intelligence and other forms of automations are being implemented over the next 20 to 30 years.

The Millennium Project is a global participatory think tank connecting 55 Nodes around the world that identify important long-range challenges and strategies, and initiate and conduct foresight studies, workshops, symposiums, and advanced training. Its mission is to improve thinking about the future and make it available through a variety of media for feedback to accumulate wisdom about the future for better decisions today. It produces the annual "State of the Future" reports, the "Futures Research Methodology" series, the Global Futures Intelligence System (GFIS), and special studies.

AGAHI is a non-governmental organization established in Islamabad in 2011 under the Society Registration Act 1860. It started off as an initiative of Mishal Pakistan and gradually became an independent organization. AGAHI is heavily focused on Research and Development mainly on national and international security, ICT, competitiveness, human capital development, and governance issues. It also aims to promote quality journalism through the Media Development Initiative program.