KARACHI: A significant international dialogue on the future of child-rearing commenced today at the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development in Karachi. The 13th International Conference on ‘Raising Children in Our Times’ has drawn global attention to the societal responsibility of nurturing the next generation.
Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Sindh’s Minister for Education and Culture, emphasized the importance of creating nurturing and protected environments for children. He identified the proper upbringing of children as a fundamental challenge of the current era.
Dr. Farid Panjwani, Dean of IED, highlighted the collective responsibility of society, including the media, corporations, and the state, in raising children. He called for a shift from viewing child-rearing as a purely private responsibility to recognizing it as a social act.
The conference is addressing global challenges such as inequality, digital saturation, and climate concerns that impact child-rearing. Dr. Lynne Wolbert of Vrije University Amsterdam questioned the ethical responsibility of raising thriving individuals in a world fraught with human-induced problems.
A panel discussion on “Raising Resilient Learners in a Digital and Divided World” featured experts exploring ways to foster resilience and critical thinking in education. Another panel, “Beyond Survival: Shaping Safe and Supportive Spaces for the Modern Child,” focused on disability inclusion and supportive environments.
The conference aims to move from philosophical discussions to practical solutions, developing actionable pathways for modern childhood. Future sessions will address economic disparities, the dual impact of technology, and the importance of mental health and moral development.
Ultimately, the conference seeks to advocate for inclusion and redefine essential skills for adaptive learning, underscoring the importance of the arts, humanities, and imagination in child development.