May 17, 2023: The Global Think Tank Network (GTTN) and the Center for Executive Education (CEE) at IBA Karachi recently conducted an exploratory meeting to address reforms, capacity building, and research in the field of public policy. The meeting witnessed the participation of prominent individuals including Dr. Shoaib Suddle, Amer Hashmi, Senator Sughra Imam, Bulent Sohail from GTTN, and Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi and Kamran Bilgrami along with other team members from IBA.
Public policy plays a crucial role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of Pakistan. As a rapidly developing nation, it faces diverse challenges in areas such as governance, economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. To address these issues effectively, there is a pressing need for skilled professionals who can analyze policy frameworks, devise innovative strategies, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
A key highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy by CEE, IBA Karachi: https://cee.iba.edu.pk/publicpolicy.php. This program is designed to empower participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively tackle real-world challenges and drive immediate positive change in their communities. It offers comprehensive training in analytical frameworks and methods for evaluating government policies, ensuring their efficiency and impact on society. The PGD in Public Policy aims to bridge the competency gap prevalent in public policy decision-making, enabling participants to become proficient policy designers and analysts. The curriculum emphasizes the development of a data-driven mindset, policy leadership abilities, professional ethics, and a strong sense of social responsibility, equipping individuals to address both present and future policy challenges.
The meeting participants also deliberated on collaborative initiatives such as joint trainings, conferences, consulting, and research projects, all centered around the field of Public Policy. These endeavors aim to further enhance the understanding and implementation of effective policy practices in Pakistan.
The collaboration between GTTN and CEE, IBA Karachi, will mark a milestone in the pursuit of strengthening public policy expertise in Pakistan. By equipping professionals with advanced skills and knowledge, this partnership aims to drive positive change and contribute to the country's sustainable socio-economic development.
Moving forward, GTTN and CEE, IBA Karachi are committed to fostering a culture of excellence in public policy education and research. Through their combined efforts, they aim to empower individuals and organizations to become effective policy influencers, catalysts for change, and drivers of progress in Pakistan and beyond.
Recently, the IBA Karachi has established a new office in Islamabad expanding its nationwide imprint. IBA's Center for Executive Education (CEE) is currently operational at National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF)-Pakistan in H-8, Islamabad. For details on CEE, please visit: https://cee.iba.edu.pk/
GTTN, established as a non-profit society in 2014, aims to address pressing national socio-economic development issues by leveraging intellectual, financial, social, and industrial capital through collaboration among industry, academia, and government. The GTTN focuses on security, economics, and climate change and the environment. Through effective partnership management, GTTN works with a diverse network of local, national, regional, and international organizations to achieve its strategic goals and bring about transformative change in Pakistan and the region. GTTN: https://gttn.org.pk/
