News Desk
Joshua Dilawar, representing the Institute for Social and Youth Development (ISYD), stood as Pakistan’s sole delegate at the Asia-Europe Training Seminar on Youth, Digitalisation, and Intercultural Dialogue, held in Budapest, Hungary. This prestigious event, organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) with support from the European Union, the People’s Republic of China, Denmark, and in partnership with the Council of Europe and the All-China Youth Federation, brought together 80 young leaders from 35 countries to address the evolving intersection of technology and society.
Out of over 4,300 applicants, Joshua was selected to join youth leaders from across Asia and Europe to discuss and develop strategies for “Leadership in Society 5.0″—a vision of a future where technological advancement integrates seamlessly with ethical, inclusive, and sustainable social progress. This week-long seminar, part of the ASEF Capacity Building 2024 Programme, focused on topics such as digital citizenship, ethical artificial intelligence, and the role of youth leadership in a digitally interconnected world.
“It was an honor to represent Pakistan on such a significant platform,” Joshua remarked. “I gained valuable insights into harnessing technology for positive societal change, ensuring our digital future remains both inclusive and ethical.”
Throughout the seminar, Joshua engaged in dialogues with diplomats and senior leaders, including Pakistan’s Ambassador to Hungary, H.E. Asif Hussain Memon, and officials from Poland, the Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam. These interactions underscored the critical role of youth in addressing challenges related to digitalization, human rights, and ethical leadership in the digital age.
Workshops on critical AI, social campaign content creation, and digital tools for community development offered participants hands-on learning with top experts. Discussions centered on how technology can address complex issues such as democracy, human rights, and global cooperation.
As Joshua returns to Pakistan, he is committed to applying the knowledge gained from the seminar to empower communities and youth, emphasizing a leadership approach that aligns with ethics, sustainability, and inclusivity in the digital era.
