August 17, 2017.
As part of its endeavors to bring together the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan through joint activities, the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad, conducted a workshop for young Pakistanis and Afghans on “Motivation, Leadership and Problem Solving Skills” under its initiative Afghan Studies Center at its head office in Islamabad on Thursday. Security analyst and journalist Zeeshan Salahuddin, who was invited as the trainer for the workshop, coached the participants from both countries on strengthening their capacity and motivation to become good leaders and problem solvers not only in their lives but also their respective countries and the region.
The workshop aimed at helping the youth become messengers of peace and cooperation beyond boundaries by inculcating qualities of leadership, a sense of motivation, and critical problem solving skills in them. Participants included students from Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), and Islamic Relief, along with other young and vibrant activists.
Mr. Aized Ali, Project Director Beyond Boundaries Track 1.5/II at CRSS, who was also present, welcomed the participants and apprised them regarding CRSS’ Pak-Afghan Beyond Boundaries Track1.5/II initiative which led to the emergence Afghan Studies Center (ASC). He told the participants that Beyond Boundaries had been a conscious effort to bridge the gulf of mistrust between the two neighbors and encouraged them to network among themselves to help improve local perceptions on both sides. The Afghan Studies Center – which aims at providing a platform for the youth of the two countries to interact, exchange ideas and engage in joint cultural, academic and sports ventures.
During the workshop, the participants were put through several group exercises using examples from both countries as a way to pinpoint commonalities and create better understanding between the two groups. Through such activities, the center aspires for peace by engaging the youth from both sides in informed discourses. Alongside such workshops, the center also runs a monthly dialogue series with participation of young men and women from Pakistan and Afghanistan to increase the much needed people to people contact that has been decreasing in recent years.
About Afghan Studies Center: The Afghan Studies Center is an initiative by the Center for Research and Security Studies, Islamabad – an independent and non-profit think tank and advocacy center. One of the primary objectives of the Afghan Studies Center is to serve as a bridge between the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan to interact with each other and join hands to become leaders of change and messengers of peace and cooperation beyond boundaries. To achieve this objective, the Afghan Studies Center invites young Afghans to share their story using our platform with the youth of Pakistan as well as the world.
