Press Release 06/10/2022
PRESS RELEASE, October 06, 2022
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Policy Research Institute in collaboration with China Study Center and CIIT Islamabad organized a seminar titled: From Global Development Initiative (GDI) to Global Security Initiative (GSI), in Islamabad on Thursday at the Marriot Hotel.
Rector COMSATS, Dr Muhammad Tabassum Afzal opened the ceremony with introductory remarks. Dr Afzal highlighted the concept of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) curated by China’s President Xi Jinping. Dr Afzal said that China’s Global Development initiative is in-line with the needs of the developing world and it showcases China’s idea of shared prosperity. Ambassador (retd) Dr. Raza Muhammad, President IPRI, followed as co-host with his introductory remarks. Ambassador Raza remarked that China’s GDI is the best alternative to contemporary destabilizing system of alliances/blocks security as it guarantees security to the countries involved. Praising China’s system of governance, he said that China operates as a civilization state, rather than as a nation-state.
The first panel was chaired by Ambassador Nong Rong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, who was the Chief Guest. Joining him as panelists were Senator Mushahid Hussein Syed, and Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Government of Pakistan.
Senator Mushahid Hussain congratulated the Chinese delegation on China’s National Day. Senator Hussein said that the journey from GDI to GSI represents a historic transformation; a journey where we see the world shift towards the Asian century. He said that China is performing a role of leadership in technology, be it big data, Artificial Intelligence, military or space technology.
Ambassador Nong Rong opened his keynote address while praising the event organizers and stressing upon the importance of the discourse. He said that the Globe of Friends of GDI’s first meeting was held earlier this year. He said that China appreciates Pakistan’s forthcoming attitude and the line taken, yet again proving the consistency with which Pakistan wants to enhance food production, eradicate hunger and alleviate poverty by people-centric development. Ambassador Rong said that China welcomes Pakistan to join in the world Digital Alliance and share its pool of talent by becoming part of Digital education processes.
The Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, delivered his keynote address. He said that Pakistan has been on the road to prosperity multiple times but due to changes in the political theater, Pakistan’s development space was compromised. He said that to take full advantage of the GDI, Pakistan needs political stability, continuity of policy and solidarity.
Joining the second session moderated by Dr Aneel Salman, Chair Economic Security IPRI, were Ambassador (r) Naghmana Hashmi, career diplomat, Dr Vaqar Ahmed of Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Dr Zubair Mohammad, former Chief Economist at the Planning Ministry, Dr Usman Chohan of the Center of Aerospace and Security Studies, Dr Fazal Ur Rahman from University of Sargodha and Dr Kulsoom Sumra from CIIT Islamabad.
