Executive Director of United Global Initiative Visits LUMS
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Dr. Hasnain Walji, Executive Director of United Global Initiative, along with his wife, visited LUMS on January 15, 2024, to explore LUMS’ initiatives in women empowerment, technology, and its commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity. The meeting was facilitated by LUMS alum, Mr. Haroon Rashid (MBA 1995), Chairman of I-Care Foundation, a platform dedicated to maximising the impact and effectiveness of donations made by philanthropists.
Dr. Walj is a renowned educator, historian, filmmaker, and author who has penned over 20 books on nutrition and natural medicine. Born in Tanzania, and educated in the United Kingdom, his institutional work promoting social justice spans four decades in four continents. His current role at United Global Initiative focuses on women's empowerment and children’s health. Dr. Walji’s continued contributions, with his active engagement on many boards including The World Federation of Khoja, Universal Muslim Association of America, National Muslim Catholic Dialogue, and ISEEK, demonstrate the breadth of his effort in tackling social injustices.
The guests were welcomed by Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost; Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed, Management Committee Member; Ms. Nuzhat Kamran, Director of Advancement; Dr. Sadaf Aziz, Dean, Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law; Dr. Muhammad Sabieh Anwar, Professor, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE); Dr. Maryam Mustafa, Assistant Professor, SBASSE and Director, Saida Waheed Gender Initiative (SWGI) and Dr. Hadia Majid, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Economics.
Ms. Kamran presented an overview of LUMS and shed light on key aspects of the university, including its recent global accolades for excellence and the flagship scholarship initiative, National Outreach Programme, which is designed to make education accessible to talented students across Pakistan. She also highlighted various aspects of socio-economic, geographical, and gender diversity at the university.
Dr. Walji discussed the pivotal role of higher education institutions in Muslim countries and how they can lead the way in research and data analytics. “Universities not only focus on academics but also play a pivotal role in shaping ethical leaders and socially responsible citizens. In Muslim societies, these institutions are vital for integrating ethical principles and social awareness, contributing to the development of leaders capable of making positive impacts on their communities.”
The faculty members presented an overview of their respective domains with a particular focus on women empowerment and gender studies at SWGI – a centre that advances gender as a critical lens for understanding society, culture, and politics.
Following the engaging session, Dr. Walji toured the library, the Syed Ahsan Ali and Syed Maratib Ali School of Education, Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law and the National Incubation Centre, Lahore at LUMS.
