IRD Hosts National Workshop on Youth Capacity Building in Dialogue and Peacebuilding

The Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), convened a high-impact one-day national workshop titled “Youth Capacity Building on Dialogue and Peacebuilding” on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The event served as a dynamic platform for intellectual discourse, bringing together esteemed scholars, legal luminaries, policy experts, and civil society representatives to equip youth with the tools necessary for fostering peace, tolerance, and constructive engagement in a pluralistic society.

The proceedings commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director, IRD, who reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to nurturing youth through academic and civic empowerment initiatives. He highlighted IRD’s sustained efforts to build bridges among diverse societal segments through dialogue and research-based engagement.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Muhammad Kashif Irshad, Additional Director General KP-CVE and Culture Specialist at the National Heritage and Culture Division. In his remarks, he underscored the critical role of youth as catalysts for peace, emphasizing their potential to promote social cohesion and cultural pluralism.

Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwar, Honorable Aalim Judge of the Federal Shariat Court, offered an intellectually enriching discourse on cultivating mutual respect amid ideological and socio-political diversity, encouraging youth to become agents of harmony and ethical leadership.

An engaging session on sustainable development and inclusive communication was led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad, Chief Executive of the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development. He elaborated on the intersection of effective dialogue and sustainable peace, stressing the importance of inter generational and cross-sector collaboration

Post-lunch, Barrister Zafarullah Khan, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and a distinguished author and legal expert, conducted a capacity-building session on conflict resolution and mediation techniques. His session provided participants with practical frameworks for navigating conflict and fostering reconciliation.

he concluding thematic presentation was delivered by Mr. Saith Usama Chitrali, Managing Director of SEERAHT International. He shared innovative strategies for mobilizing youth-led peace advocacy campaigns, encouraging proactive civic participation and grassroots dialogue initiatives.

Mohtamim Jamia Muhammadi Sharif, Sahabzada Qamar-ul-Haq, also graced the occasion and expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of IRD in promoting interfaith harmony and youth engagement through dialogue. He commended the institute’s vision and the relevance of the workshop’s theme in the present socio-political climate. While addressing the participants, he extended his gratitude to them for their active involvement and encouraged them to carry forward the message of peace and mutual respect in their respective communities.

The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognizing the enthusiastic participation of students and the invaluable contributions of the guest speakers. The event witnessed active engagement from a diverse cohort of university and Madrassa students, young professionals, and members of academia and civil society.

Participants expressed profound appreciation for IRD’s initiative, lauding the institute for providing a much-needed forum that encourages youth involvement in the national peacebuilding discourse through knowledge sharing and collaborative dialogue.