Lahore, Dr. Hasnain Walji, the Executive Director of United Global Initiative, along with his wife, visited the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) on January 15, 2024. The visit focused on understanding LUMS’ initiatives in women empowerment, technology, and its commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity.
According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the visit, facilitated by LUMS alum Mr. Haroon Rashid, Chairman of I-Care Foundation, provided Dr. Walji with insights into the university’s diverse programs and achievements. Dr. Walji is a globally recognized educator, historian, filmmaker, and author with a career dedicated to social justice and women empowerment spanning four continents.
During the visit, the guests were welcomed by Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost; Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed, Management Committee Member; Ms. Nuzhat Kamran, Director of the Office of Advancement; Dr. Sadaf Aziz, Dean of the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law; Dr. Sabieh Anwar of the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering; Dr. Maryam Mustafa, Assistant Professor and Director of the Saida Waheed Gender Initiative; and Dr. Hadia Majid, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics.
Ms. Kamran presented an overview of LUMS, highlighting its growth, global accolades, and the National Outreach Programme, which promotes education accessibility across Pakistan. She emphasized the university’s focus on socioeconomic, geographical, and gender diversity.
Dr. Walji discussed the crucial role of higher education institutions in Muslim countries in research and data analytics. He emphasized the importance of these institutions in shaping ethical leaders and socially responsible citizens, integrating ethical principles, and fostering leaders who positively impact their communities.
Faculty members shared insights into their domains, particularly focusing on women empowerment and gender studies at the Saida Waheed Gender Initiative, a center that uses gender as a critical lens for understanding society, culture, and politics.
Following the session, Dr. Walji toured various facilities at LUMS, including the library, the Syed Ahsan Ali and Syed Maratib Ali School of Education, the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law, and the National Incubation Centre.
The visit underscores LUMS’ role in advancing higher education in Pakistan and its contributions to addressing critical societal issues, including women empowerment and diversity.