HRD Network - HRDN

August 27th 2026
Youth Leading the Future | National Leadership Summit 2026

HRDN was represented at the National Leadership Summit 2026, organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) in collaboration with the National Youth Leadership Programme (NYLP), under the theme “Youth Leading the Future”, in celebration of International Youth Day 2026.
During the Summit, Ms. Robeela Bangash, CEO HRDN, emphasized that youth leadership must move beyond participation towards ownership, initiative and action. Young people need to step forward, take charge of their destiny, identify the challenges affecting their communities, develop practical solutions, and then seek guidance and support to address the gaps and turn those solutions into meaningful action.
She also highlighted the need for greater focus on women’s leadership and representation. Of the six panelists, only one was a woman, reflecting the continuing need to create more spaces for women to contribute, lead and influence national development.
The discussion reinforced the importance of:
Moving youth from participation to leadership and ownership
• Equipping young people with skills, confidence, mentorship and opportunities
• Encouraging youth-led, practical solutions to real challenges
• Expanding pathways for women’s leadership and decision-making
• Strengthening collaboration among government, private sector, civil society and youth.
At HRDN, we believe empowered youth should not wait for the future. They must step forward, shape their own destiny and lead the solutions Pakistan needs today.

From Global Commitments to Local Action

On 21 August 2026, Ms. Robeela Bangash, CEO HRDN, participated as a Panelist in the one-day seminar “From Global Commitments to Local Action: Strengthening Climate Resilience in Pakistan,” organized by Community World Service Asia (CWSA) at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad.
During the discussion, she highlighted three priorities for effective climate adaptation: turning knowledge into action, strengthening local institutions, and moving communities from participation to leadership.

Linking her reflections to the Climate & Environment Charter, she emphasized that genuine localization requires long-term investment in local institutions and the progressive transfer of knowledge, capacity, decision-making and resources to local actors.

Climate resilience will ultimately be built in communities, not conference rooms.

19 August 2026
Understanding Stress, Managing Emotions & Finding Your Balance

In engaging and meaningful session under the HRDN Wellbeing Initiative was held at the Women Welfare & Development Centre, Islamabad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR).

The interactive session, facilitated by Dr. Naima Hassan, saw enthusiastic participation from women and girls, who actively engaged in a range of activities designed to better understand stress, emotions and healthy coping mechanisms. Participants not only discussed practical ways of managing everyday stress but also had the opportunity to practise some simple coping techniques during the session.

Ms. Robeela Bangash, CEO HRDN, welcomed the participants and introduced Dr. Naima Hassan, acknowledging her extensive experience in mental health, psychosocial support and workplace wellbeing. She also briefly introduced HRDN and shared the objectives behind the session, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where women can pause, reflect, understand themselves and develop healthier ways of coping with life’s challenges.

The session began with a warm welcome by Ms. Ismat Afridi, Deputy Director and In-Charge of the Centre. In her closing remarks, Ms. Shana Nawaz, Director Social Welfare, appreciated the initiative and expressed MoHR’s commitment to investing in the wellbeing, growth and empowerment of women and girls. The Ministry also encouraged the continuation of such meaningful and engaging activities at its Women Welfare & Development Centres.

This was the first activity under the HRDN–MoHR partnership, reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions to creating opportunities that strengthen the wellbeing, confidence and resilience of women and girls.

Our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Human Rights, Women Welfare & Development Centre team, Dr. Naima Hassan and, most importantly, all the participants whose openness, energy and active participation made the session truly meaningful.

HRDN Wellbeing Initiative
HRDN in collaboration of Ministry of Human Rights presents an empowering session supporting Women’s Wellbeing

Stay tuned for the highlights of an interactive session with Dr. Naima Hassan on understanding stress, managing emotions and finding balance in everyday life.

Date:19 August 2026
Venue:Women Welfare Development Center Islamabad

Pause. Breathe. Reset. Build Resilience.

Where Expertise Meets Vision. Where Leaders Create Impact.
HRDN Core Team.

اس پرچم کے سائے تلے ھم ایک ھیں

Pakistan-Belarus Engagement | ICCI

Building Bridges Through International Cooperation

On August 11, 2026, HRDN participated in an engagement with a Ministerial-level Belarusian delegation at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI).

The engagement explored opportunities for bilateral cooperation and development, while bringing the civil society perspective into the dialogue.

HRDN highlighted the importance of translating international partnerships into meaningful opportunities for women and youth, alongside stronger people-to-people and institutional linkages.

Connecting cooperation with opportunity.

Pakistan-China Engagement | FPCCI
On August 11, 2026, HRDN participated in a meeting with a visiting high-level Chinese experts’ delegation at FPCCI Capital Office, Islamabad.

The engagement focused on strengthening Pakistan-China cooperation, particularly around integrated industrial development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and enhanced technical-level collaboration.

HRDN also highlighted the role of civil society and the potential for international partnerships to create meaningful opportunities for women and youth.

Building bridges. Creating opportunities. Strengthening partnerships.

August 11, 2026: National Health Emergency Preparedness & Response Conference

Strengthening Pakistan’s readiness for health emergencies.

HRDN participated in the National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference, bringing together government, UN agencies, development partners, humanitarian organizations and civil society to advance a more coordinated, resilient and proactive national response system.

The conference highlighted the critical role of preparedness, institutional coordination, capacity building and timely response in protecting communities during emergencies.

HRDN remains committed to strengthening community resilience and civil society’s role in emergency preparedness and response.