PR
Karachi: Pakistan’s flagship forum on women’s leadership and inclusive development brought together policymakers, diplomats, corporate executives and development experts at the International Women Leaders Summit held at a local hotel on Tuesday, with speakers emphasizing that gender inclusion and collaborative leadership are essential for sustainable economic growth.
Organized by Karachi-based management consultancy New World Concepts (NWC), the summit focused on strengthening women’s participation in governance, business and social sectors, while encouraging cross-sector partnerships to address structural challenges facing the country.
Yasmin Hyder, CEO of New World Concepts, said the platform was created to spotlight the transformative role of women leaders and to accelerate inclusive progress. She noted that women are increasingly reshaping Pakistan’s corporate and entrepreneurial landscape and called for collective efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable future.
Delivering the keynote address, former federal minister for law and justice Barrister Shahida Jamil described women’s empowerment as a national imperative. She stressed the need for legal reforms, strong institutions and meaningful representation of women in decision-making processes to ensure lasting progress.
German Ambassador H.E. Ina Lepel shared international perspectives on advancing gender equality and inclusive development, while Sweden’s Ambassador H.E. Alexandra Berg von Linde highlighted the importance of male allyship in workplaces to foster more balanced and supportive professional environments.
Rehmat Hasnie, President of the National Bank of Pakistan, underscored the role of inclusive financial leadership in driving economic resilience. He emphasized improving women’s access to finance and institutional support as key to expanding entrepreneurship and strengthening the broader economy.
Other speakers included representatives from the Netherlands embassy, UNICEF Pakistan, the Goethe-Institut, the Pakistan Business Council, leading private-sector organizations and civil society. Discussions covered business innovation, social development, advocacy and policy frameworks aimed at creating equitable opportunities for women across sectors.
The summit also served as a networking platform to promote dialogue and partnerships between public and private stakeholders seeking to advance sustainable and inclusive growth in Pakistan.
New World Concepts said it remains committed to supporting women’s professional development through collaboration with organizations across the country and the region.
