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Hello Everyone!

I am Nida Iftikhar from Haripur,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

My educational qualification include M.Phil in Environmental Sciences, Bachelor of Education, IGC NEBOSH Certified and multiple trainings related to Health, Safety and Environment (HSE). Being a committed environmentalist, I worked with the Worldwide Fund for NATURE (WWF- Pakistan) as a campus ambassador in their different projects.

In honor of my achievements I had been appointed as the grantee of Active Citizenship Program 2021 funded by British Council and executed by Muslim Hands. Climate Change was the thematic area for the project entitled "Be an Eco Friend". Currently I am working as Youth Engagement Officer with Sungi Development Foundation for the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI) project in District Abbottabad and Haripur. My aim is advocating conservation of environment and promoting sustainable practices specifically among youth.

I am enthusiastic about participating in the GCED initiative, which will equip me with the expertise and values required to contribute meaningfully to global citizenship. As a novice attendee, I am keen to explore global challenges, cultural diversity, and sustainable development principles. This engagement will enhance my understanding, foster empathy, and encourage collaboration with fellow stakeholders. Through GCED, I aspire to develop a deeper comprehension of my role in promoting positive change.

My taste in music includes Sufism, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the King of Qwali is my all time favourite but now adays I like to listen "Jhoom" from Coke Studio sung by two living legendary artist, Abida Parween and Naseebo lal boosting through highs and lows. Looking forward to learn and have great time with you all.

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Hello!.

I am Imesha Kavindi Jayaratne from Sri Lanka. I am currently a student who is reading Postgraduate Diploma in International Relationship. I am a passionats person for international development, culture diversity and social sciences. With that intention I am working at Korea International Cooperation Agency and also I serve as a Honorary Reporter for Korea.net.

I am a active community worker under the local community in my country where we conduct many community project.

I am very much excited to meet you all.

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Hello everyone,

My name is Chhoying Pem and I have a Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences from Murdoch University in Australia. Coming back to Bhutan, I studied a postgraduate diploma in education and found a career for myself as a science teacher. Everyday, I deal with students of different ages and it has been wonderful watching these children learn and grow. As a teacher, I run the UNESCO club in the school and that’s how I became a member of Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO (NatCom for UNESCO Bhutan) and also served as the District Focal for ASPnet for three years from 2021-2023. In my small community, I’m involved in promoting GCED values through my teaching and activities with UNESCO.

Additionally I have also worked in the development of the Teacher Training Manual for Climate Change Education. This project was to come up with a comprehensive guide for teachers to integrate climate change education into their lessons, making it culturally relevant, student-centered, and action-oriented. I was responsible for developing resources to effectively teach climate change concepts, link them to Sustainable Development Goals, and engage students in environmental stewardship to take informed action on climate issues within their communities and beyond.

A song from Bhutan that I really like is "Yak Lebi Lhadar Gawo" , a traditional Bhutanese song that resonates with the beauty of our culture and uplifts my spirit.

This is my first formal training in GCED and I am very much excited to meet all of you and learn a lot of things.

See you all soon 😊

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I Abu Taleb Mohmmad Maruf from Bogura, Bangladesh. An undergraduate student from Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan.

I have visual storytelling tool which has many name such as painting or illustration to express the untold tragedy of a large number of people around the world.

Crisis of social class and conflict for unnecessary determination becoming severe flue in this twenty first century and onward. Why are they still suppressed in this meta modern epoch? What do we have to stand beside their helplessness and rescue them through incentive and awareness?

I'm a pilgrim to this completely new journey and super excited to meet future South Asian gems. I've been longing to participate with them and gather solutions by experiencing their invaluable ideas.

A song seldom I do listen to ignite my stimuli "Manush to khelna noy" in English related meaning stands like " Humans are not toys"

See you all soon and have safe travels.

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Hello Everyone, I am Nisha Thapa from Nepal. I am a storyteller affiliated with Nagarik Aawaz, one of Nepal's leading peacebuilding organizations. Over the past seven years, I have traveled to more than 55 districts across Nepal, documenting the stories of women and youth. As the youngest female head of communications at my organization, I lead a team of eight and leverage my experience to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, survivors, and conflict-affected communities. I am deeply passionate about writing and listening to people's stories. My ability to connect with others and empathize with their experiences has shaped my identity as a communications professional and storyteller. This will be my first experience attending a Global Citizenship Education (GCED) event and I am really looking forward to the workshop and meeting everyone. I believe this will be a great learning and sharing space for all of us.

One of my favorite Nepali song must be "Fool ko Akhama Fulai Sansara, Kada ko Akkha ma Kadai Sansara by Ani Choying Drolma. Her songs are really soothing and calms you down and also has a deep meanings.

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My name is Waqas Ali Khoso, and I am an undergraduate student of International Relations at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Hailing from Hyderabad, Pakistan, I am passionate about understanding global issues and empowering my community to address them. This GCED Workshop marks my first experience in the field of Global Citizenship Education, and I am genuinely excited to be part of such a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a commitment to global betterment.

Alongside my studies, I am involved in the Youth for Human Rights International organization, where I work within my community to raise awareness about human rights, advocating for equity and justice. I am a Millennium Fellow through a program introduced by the United Nations Academic Impact and the Millennium Campus Network. As part of this fellowship, I am working on a project called "Climate Action Changemakers Network," which empowers young people to take action on climate issues. This initiative aims to strengthen youth leadership in climate advocacy, promoting sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, with the goal of building a connected network of climate-conscious changemakers.

A Pakistani song that inspires me is "Jazba-e-Junoon" by Junoon. This powerful anthem reminds me of our nation’s resilience and the importance of working collectively for a brighter and more sustainable future.

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Hi!

I’m Amina Nadeem, from Lahore, Pakistan. I am a senior at the Lahore School of Economics, currently serving as an ambassador at the CSR Center at LSE. This is my first time attending a GCED workshop, and I’m thrilled to be here to explore the intersection of global citizenship, social justice, and emerging technologies. My work as a CSR ambassador has given me the opportunity to engage with underprivileged communities and lead various outreach initiatives, which has deepened my commitment to creating positive social impact. I’m excited to learn from everyone here and bring back new perspectives to my work in Pakistan.

As someone who loves the lively spirit of Punjab, one song that never fails to lift my mood and get me moving is Nach Punjaban by Abrar-ul-Haq. It’s a reminder to embrace joy and “never stop dancing”—a mantra I carry with me in all that I do!

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I am Sudeepa Lakshan from Sri Lanka. Currently I am 3rd year undergraduate of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (BSc. in Agri Tech & Mgt) I am a Sri Lankan. Also I work as a freelance journalist (specially in Science Journalism), volunteer for many social activities and as youth activist.

My experiences span across journalism, science communication, and leadership, where I continuously strive to foster awareness and drive change in social, environmental, and economic of Sri Lanka.

My journey in Global Citizenship Education (GCED) has been shaped by my roles as a science journalist, environmental advocate and youth leader. Engaging in diverse platforms, from youth biodiversity networks to science journalism forums, I've aimed to promote sustainable practices and educate the public on critical issues such as biodiversity and climate change. Also I worked as Peace Pioneer to build peace and reconciliation among Hill country community in Sri Lanka 2023, Which was organized by The Road to Rights Organization and American Embassy in SL. Also as a journalist I have made a MoJo video which is enhancing the Gender equality and reducing pluralism.

This is my first time joining for a regional workshop. I am exited to get to know all other fellows and obtain all benefits from this workshop.

A song that gives me energy is 'Minisa Suwadayi Mala Se' - "මිනිසා සුවඳයි මල සේ"' by Sunil Edirisinghe.

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Greetings People,

This is Muhammad Awais from Gujranwala Pakistan. I have a Masters in Communication Studies specializing in Film & TV from School of Communication Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore. I also majored in Political Science for my Bachelors from Government College University, Lahore.

I worked as a Creative Specialist for major Advertising Firms of the country delivering several creative projects encompassing Brand Accentuation, Corporate Imaging, Events Management, Campaign Ideation and Deliverance for numerous Brands i.e., Jazz, USAID, MOFA, ICCA Pakistan & UK, COMSATS, PIA, Air Sial, Bank of Punjab etc.

I exited the advertising world in 2023 leaving my former role as a Creative Director and volunteered for EOTO Foundation as a Visual Specialist in 2023. I was appointed Director Ideas and Strategic Initiatives at EOTO Foundation this June. I am currently working upon the EOTO's Street School program to reach serious underprivileged areas of Pakistan. EOTO Foundation is working for those underprivileged children who are unable to fulfill their dreams of getting free and quality education.  The Foundation have 3 campuses in-running in different areas of city Gujrat and in Islamabad, and one is under construction in a remote area of Gujranwala.

I'm a first-timer to APCEIU, Youth4GCED Regional Workshop. I am excited to get to know all of the participants and gain a lot from this experience.

"Sayonee" from Junoon is one of my all time favourites. This wonderful song is penned by Sabar Zafar, an unforgettable lyricist/ poet. The song represents a joyous blend of Sufism, cultural aura, social realism and symphonies of Rock. Its a must listen song from 90s. To listen and read about the song, please checkout. https://www.khusrau.com/sayonee/

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Hey everyone, I'm Raviha Ajmal from Lahore, Pakistan. As a passionate and driven individual, I've dedicated myself to creating positive change and been a part of social activities for a very long time.

At 16, I led a team representing Punjab in Enterprise Challenge Pakistan 2017, organized by king Charles trust, implementing a social printing solution in our school. This sparked my interest in social entrepreneurship, leading me to pursue various projects alongside my studies.

Notably, I successfully led Luminous Pathways, collaborating with Superior University, CMACED, local government, and NGOs to prevent road accidents in underprivileged areas. I've also volunteered in several social drives, climate change seminars, and promoting mental health in orphanages, aligning with specific UNSDGs.

As an undergraduate student in Aesthetics and Cosmetology, I've taken on a leadership role as Vice President of the Aesthetic Society in my University, focusing on skincare initiatives for underprivileged communities. Currently I'm also working with an organization striving to provide education to deserving children.

The song "Jazba Junoon" happens to be my go to source of energy whenever needed.

I'm excited to participate in my first GCED workshop, eager to learn and harness my leadership skills to drive global citizenship and societal impact. I firmly believe youth holds the power to shape the future.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

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I am Mudassir Iqbal from the beautiful region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. I have worked as a Teaching Assistant at Government College University, Lahore, where I focused on integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the English curriculum. This is my second engagement with Global Citizenship Education (GCED); previously, I was selected to participate in the 10th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED, 2024, organized by the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU). Currently, I am developing an action plan to address the smog crisis in Lahore by focusing on climate change mitigation and mobilizing university students to advocate for this cause.

While I’m not deeply connected to music, I would like to share one of Pakistan’s most iconic songs, Dil Dil Pakistan by Junaid Jamshed. This song resonates with many Pakistanis as a symbol of national pride and unity.

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This is Mushahid Hussain, a proud Pakistani born and raised in Peshawar. With deep roots in the beautiful valleys of Chitral, I now reside in the vibrant city of Islamabad. Currently, I have the privilege of serving as a Senior Program Manager at Youth Impact, where my passion lies in shaping the next generation of Pakistani leaders who can navigate complexity, embrace diversity, and act with compassion.

Through our unique wilderness-based leadership camps like Markhor, Maimaar, and Chasing Snow Leopard. I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of nature to transform young lives, teaching resilience, adaptability, and a profound respect for our world. There’s something magical about the mountains and forests that speaks to the soul, challenging young minds to break boundaries and believe in their potential. We’re not just developing leaders, we’re nurturing changemakers who dare to rewrite the future. I’m also involved in Learning Ka Wheel (LKW), a program dedicated to teaching essential life skills to children in underprivileged areas. This initiative goes beyond academics to empower children with confidence, critical thinking, and adaptability - the tools they need to rise above their circumstances. We believe that by sparking potential in every child, no matter where they come from, we’re creating a ripple effect of hope and possibility.

This is my first GCED workshop, and I’m thrilled to learn from experts and connect with passionate peers. I believe GCED is essential to fostering a world that values empathy, equality, and sustainability. When I need inspiration, I turn to iconic songs like "Dil Dil Pakistan" and "Hum Kyun Chalein Uss Raah Pe" as these songs resonate deeply with me because they speak to challenging norms and forging our path rather than following others blindly, and indeed a powerful reminder to question, to innovate, and to create a path for positive change.

I am excited to join this workshop to gain fresh perspectives and tools that will help me further refine and expand my work with youth and underserved communities. By learning from experts in GCED, I hope to bring back insights and strategies to make our programs even more impactful, creating leaders who are responsible for creating change locally and globally. I look forward to this journey of growth, connection, and inspiration with all of you.

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I’m Urooj Ashfaq, a Research Scholar at Khyber Medical University in Peshawar, Pakistan. I come from the beautiful region of Mansehra, KPK, but currently based in Peshawar. I hold a master’s degree in public health and have two years of working experience in the field of research. This is my first experience with GCED, and as a newcomer I’m excited to be part of this global youth network, learning and sharing ideas to make a real difference.

In addition to my current role, I have worked with UNICEF as a Social District Mobilizer. Right now, I'm working on a healthcare project centered on integrated care for NCDs, especially tackling the issues of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes in Pakistan. The goal is to develop sustainable strategies that truly enhance patient care. A song that really gets me going is Sinf-e-Ahan by Asim Azhar. It’s is about young women who are breaking barriers to showcase their skills to the real world out there. Such an inspiring anthem of empowerment!

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I am "Nayab Khalid, a trailblazing female leader making waves in multiple spheres! As the Deputy Secretary of the Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I am driving force for women's empowerment and economic growth. My diverse portfolio extends to various organizations focused on youth, women's development, climate action, and animal welfare, showcasing my compassion and commitment to creating a better world. I am also working as Global Peace Ambassador at Institute of international Peace leaders(IIPL). I am a sports enthusiast with a competitive spirit, I have consistently demonstrated my intelligence, strategic thinking, and leadership prowess, earning my numerous accolades and recognition across various platforms. .I belong to Pakistan 🇵🇰: the land of the Paks, Spiritually pure and Clean. I want to Share a song " Dil Dil Pakistan by Junaid Jamshed".

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Hello Everyone!

I'm Nyle, a psychologist turned theatre artist, from Pakistan. Looking forward to the learning and networking opportunities. Currently, I founded my own theatre group 'Bol' with the vision to work towards sustainable development goals through creative means.

I have been listening to Punjabi music more than usual lately. Haarda ni jehda haar jaan wale dar kolon, Ohnu hi taan jittne da vall ho jaave

These lines from song 'aam jahe mundy' gives me energy these days.

Can't wait to vibe together:p

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My name is Hussain Shairaf Shareef (Shy), I am from Maldives. I am currently completing my Bsc in Psychology. I am currently unemployed however I am affiliated with few organisations as a volunteer or more. Currently I am a volunteer at UNFPA(Maldives), Maldives Red Crescent(MRC), First Aid Provider at MRC, a Co country representative of YPEER Maldives (Maldives branch of YPEER AP), Member of UNICEF Youth Cohort, recently became a member of UNICEF Youth Reference Group and also volunteer at few other local NGOs. This is my first ever GCED and extremely excited to be a part of such a learning opportunity with many like minded youths. I am usually into songs of many countries but from among the songs from my country I am really close to one of our cultural music type called boduberu and one of the recent songs called Boakibanboo by Hiyala Manadhoo. https://youtu.be/7oxRdnqZDY0?si=FU9XKAWy5Z2KaP0S . For those who wish to check it out. The song shows and celebrates maldivian culture and heritage also part of lost history. Boduberu is a type used in celebration, story telling and many joyous or meaningful occasions. Which is why it's my favourite from among all from my country for it's ability to make anyone move to the beat and bob their heads just from the energy not even the lyrics. Enjoy the song and many more of the genre. Thank you and I am looking forward for the friendships, memories and joyous times we will all share learning and growing during this workshop.

Thank you

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Hello! I’m Lydia Parvez, a grants/proposals associate at HANDS Pakistan's head office in Karachi. I’m excited to be attending the GCED workshop for the first time to deepen my understanding of the development sector. At HANDS, I work across departments to secure funding for impactful projects focused on health, WASH, gender equality, and more. I'm passionate about sustainable development and excited to bring fresh insights into my work.

Also, the Sinf-e-Aahan OST, especially the line "tu nahi kamzoor," really motivates me. It’s a reminder of strength that inspires me to keep learning and growing!

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Greetings everyone!

I am Nawal Amjad from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. I have a joint-majors in Politics and International Relations from the University of London, and a Master's in International Relations from the Liverpool John Moores University, UK.

I have been a lecturer having taught various courses to the students of University of London International Affiliate Centres in Islamabad, Pakistan and have been an active Youth Advocate and SDGs change-maker through my affiliations with UNDP Pakistan; YECAP - UNDP Asia-Pacific; UNESCO-APCEIU; UNSSC; UNFPA; UNICEF and other esteemed partners to name a few.

I was chosen as 1 of the 50 Youth Leaders by UNESCO-APCEIU in 2022 and therefore undertook their training of SDG 4.7 and soon after translated my acquired knowledge through my own project by winning APCEIU's Grant Competition 2022 as well. Through this project, I introduced socio-entrepreneurship in 5 low-income private schools of Rawalpindi and provided training on holistic themes of GCED; promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence; promotion of cultural diversity and climate change education.

I dedicated a substantial amount of my won grant to enable the participants of my targeted schools to help impact their own schools and communities and expand my change-making journey by not just providing training, but helping these participants to step into the shoes of advocates themselves as well.

The song that really defines my leadership journey so far and keeps me going and inspired is, 'Aasman ko chootey jayain hum' by singer-songwriter and humanitarian,

Ali Zafar.

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Hello !

I am Hafsa Zaib from Peshawar, Pakistan. I have recently done my Bachelors in IR from University of Peshawar. Currently, I am working as a project Assistant with the organisation on a project named “ Gender Parity in the Justice Sector” funded by UN women Pakistan and German Emabssy Pakistan. This will be my first ever GCED workshop and I am very excited for this amazing and informative experience. I really love the song “ Mei to dekhunga” by Strings , the reason behind liking this song is that it motivates me to work hard and do something for my country as we (youth) can only change the situation of Pakistan.

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Please add your photo

And introduce yourself

1- Name

2- Affiliation

3- Nationality

4- Tell us about your GCED journey/experience

5- Introduce a project you worked on or currently working on ( title, scope, goals, outcome )

6- Share a song from your country that gives you energy