Why Attend
Seven reasons to attend the Pakistan Future Leaders’ Conference 2013 :
The city of Oxford, subject of many a writers’ musings and many poets’ dreams, is widely held to be one of the most beautiful and historic cities not just in the UK but the world over. Home to one of the world’s greatest centres of learning, the city with its ancient walkways, awe-inspiring colleges and ancient traditions is on the top of every tourist’s visiting list in the UK. In fact, Oxford’s High Street has, in several surveys, been rated the most beautiful street in the world!
Established in 1096, Oxford University is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest university of the English-speaking world. It’s quaint traditions and reputation as a centre of debate, innovation and leading scholarship has made its name synonymous with quality worldwide. Oxford is recognised worldwide as an institution of enduring romance and undiminishing excellence.
3. A tradition of producing world leaders
Over the years, Oxford has earned a reputation for being a bastion of free speech through its world famous Oxford Union which has hosted world leaders such as Malcom X, UN Secretary Generals Kofi Annan and Ban Ki Moon and US Presidents Carter, Reagan and Nixon. Oxford has a well established tradition of producing world leaders in every field of human endeavour. More than twenty British Prime Ministers (including David Cameron), Bill Clinton, Indira Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Aung Suu Kyi, Amartya Sen and Rowan Williams have walked within these hallowed Halls.
4. The alma matter of several Pakistani statesmen and leaders
Oxford’s link with Pakistan is hard to ignore. Over the years, several leaders and prominent statesmen from Pakistan have studied at the University. These include Pakistan’s first PM Liaqat Ali Khan, Hussain Shaheed Suharwardhy, Zulfiqar Bhutto, Wasim Sajjad, Benazir Bhutto, Farooq Leghari and Imran Khan.
5. A unique gathering of students, academics and policy makers
The PFLC is a unique event as it is the only time of the year when prominent academics and policy makers with regards to Pakistan will gather under one roof with the cream of the Pakistani student community here in the UK. This environment not only produces rich debate and discussion about Pakistan’s problems and possible solutions but also exposes both student delegates and our experts to unique perspectives and points of view which proves to be an immense learning curve for both. Moreover, it provides students networking opportunities with some of the top experts and policy makers in every area of interest with regards to Pakistan.
6. An opportunity to make long-lasting friendships
The PFLC provides a unique environment in which individuals from different parts of Pakistan, belonging to different social strata and adhering to different ideologies live, debate and eat together for three days in one of the most beautiful cities of the world. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to bond and develop friendships which will last for a lifetime. This, we believe, is one of the most important aspects of the conference and the relationships that delegates forge during these three days stay with them forever.
7. Oxford University Pakistan Society
The Oxford University Pakistan Society is one of the most dynamic and respected student groups on campus at Oxford and arguably the leading student-run Pakistan society in Europe. It has been in existence for over 50 years and has a rich tradition of hosting a range of events such as Mushairas, debates, political talks, charity fundraisers and musical evenings. Prominent speakers hosted recently by OUPaksoc include Aitzaz Ahsan, Shah Mehmood Qureishi, Imran Khan, Ziauddin Sardar, Dr. Aasim Sajjad, Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, poet Professor Anwar Masood and musicians Salman Ahmed and Arieb Azhar.
The society has wide-ranging experience of organising and delivering successful Conferences in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and with a team committed to continuation of this tradition of excellence.
You can expect an unforgettable experience at the Pakistan Future Leaders’ Conference 2013!