The Indus Conclave, a three-day event that brought together a diverse group of policymakers, writers, and members of civil society at Alhamra in Lahore, was incredibly successful in pulling in the general public, especially students.
The weather was also on the side of the Conclave, with students and young people engaging in conversation, buying books and coffee, playing music, and attending back-to-back sessions.
The sessions that truly stood out were the ones that addressed issues that mattered to the youth.
The workshop done by Jordanian-Bangladeshi chef Nahla Tabbaa, which required people to sign up earlier since it started before the conference, was exceptional. She took participants all across Lahore to discuss and experience street foods and how they impact cultures and society. The workshop went all over Lahore, including the markets of the old city.
Sessions also focused on major international issues affecting the world, which included Palestine, Iran, and Ukraine.
Sudanese activist and author Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a strong and fiery speaker who really connected with the Pakistani audience, was part of many sessions, including ‘Sudan Beyond the Headlines,’ ‘Covering Conflict,’ and ‘Building New Institutions: Supporting Culture on the Outside.’ She educated people on the genocide in Sudan in such an impressive way that whoever attended her sessions left with a deeper understanding of a conflict that doesn’t get much airtime.
Kenyan Angela Wachuka was another person who really resonated with the audience. She is the founder of a Nairobi-based organization that is dedicated to restoring public libraries as centers of learning and culture. Her journey was inspiring for many young people who attended the sessions.
Palestinian Elias Deis was another speaker who really stood out. Executive Director of the Holy Land Trust in Bethlehem, Palestine, he has dedicated his life to helping vulnerable communities become more resilient. His personal story of living life in the West Bank was an eye-opener for Pakistanis attending and showed how difficult it is for Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.
Notable Pakistani speakers that really added a spark to the three-day event include Mian Amer Mahmood, who spoke briefly about the devolution of provinces, journalist Zarrar Khuhro on the United Nations’ work this year, writer Muhammad Hanif, and actress Mira Sethi.
The event was a success that showed how much Pakistanis are interested in being part of such conversations. With jam-packed audiences and a buzz like none other, the Indus Conclave 2025 really made its mark.