Karachi: A global conversation on the future of children commenced as the 13th International Conference on ‘Raising Children in Our Times’ opened at the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development in Karachi. The event aims to emphasize the collective responsibility in nurturing the next generation.
Chief guest Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Sindh’s Minister for Education and Culture, highlighted the importance of creating spaces for children’s growth. He remarked that the future is shaped in nurturing environments, not in legislative or industrial settings.
Dr. Farid Panjwani, Dean of IED, argued that child-rearing extends beyond parental duties, urging society to consider the roles of media, corporations, and the state in this endeavor. He emphasized reclaiming child upbringing as a societal act.
The conference’s dialogues tackled ethical concerns against the backdrop of global challenges like inequality and digital saturation. Keynote speaker Dr. Lynne Wolbert from Vrije University Amsterdam questioned the ethical implications of raising children in a world fraught with human-induced issues.
A panel discussion on “Raising Resilient Learners in a Digital and Divided World” featured experts like Haroon Yasin and Bronwen McGrath, who explored ways to foster resilience and empathy in education systems.
Another panel, “Beyond Survival: Shaping Safe and Supportive Spaces for the Modern Child,” discussed disability inclusion and supportive environments with insights from professionals like Omair Ahmed and Dr. Mehmood Mughal.
The conference aims to transition from philosophical discussions to practical solutions, focusing on early childhood education, economic disparities, and technology’s impact. Future sessions will address mental health, moral development, and the arts’ role in fostering adaptive learning.
Organizers hope the event will promote inclusion and redefine essential skills for modern childhood, underscoring the importance of holistic development.