Building a Thriving Social Enterprise Ecosystem in Pakistan

Hosted by Social Innovation Academy (SIA) Pakistan on February 26th, 2025 in collaboration with the Prime Minister Youth Program (PMYP) and Arweqah Saudi Arabia, the summit sparked significant discussions concerning the future of social enterprises in Pakistan.

Inspiring keynotes and Expert Panels 

The event commenced with a sequence of significant and impactful keynote speeches given by renowned social enterprise leaders. These leaders shared their experiences and perspectives on the transformative essence of social businesses. Interactive panel discussions explored the present state of social enterprises in Pakistan, funding options, and strategies for establishing an effective support system for these business initiatives.

Networking and Collaboration 

The summit provided a dynamic platform for networking and cooperation, uniting individuals with similar interests who are enthusiastic about creating change. From informal coffee talks to organized roundtable events, attendees were able to engage with possible partners, investors, and mentors, setting the stage for upcoming collaborations.

In-depth exploration of Major Sectors

Participants engaged in industry-focused breakout sessions that addressed education, healthcare, environment, and technology. These sessions showcased actual case studies, demonstrating how social enterprises in Pakistan are tackling important issues and creating an impact in their specific areas.

A Platform for Young Entrepreneurs

One of the highlights of the summit was the Social Enterprise/Impact Startup Challenge, where young social entrepreneurs from all over Pakistan presented their innovative projects. The winning groups, honored for their innovative approaches and solutions, received cash awards, which provided them with a boost to take their ventures to the next level.

Charting the Future of Social Enterprises in Pakistan

The summit concluded with an interactive roundtable discussion, during which social enterprise practitioners, policymakers, and attendees shared their perspectives on the future of social enterprises in Pakistan. The meeting emphasized enhanced policies, better funding opportunities, and increased awareness to foster a robust social enterprise ecosystem.

The event provided valuable insights and networking opportunities while inspiring a new wave of social entrepreneurs to take daring steps in tackling Pakistan's urgent challenges with creative and sustainable business approaches.

A Platform for Sustainable Social Impact

Social enterprises are of significance in addressing burning issues including poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental protection alongside stimulating economic growth. However, even though social enterprises are expected to help spur growth in societies, their contribution is dampened by constraints including limited financial resources, institutional vulnerability, and little knowledge on how important social enterprises are.

This summit provided a significant opportunity for meaningful discussions aimed at overcoming these obstacles and enhancing the social enterprise landscape in Pakistan. Participants engaged in lively keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, networking opportunities, and a startup competition to assist young entrepreneurs with creative concepts.

Video source: WE News 

Key Messages from Thought Leaders

Ali Zain Ul Abideen, CEO of Social Innovation Academy (SIA)

In his keynote address, Ali Zain Ul Abideen emphasized the transformative potential of social enterprises in Pakistan. He highlighted how these ventures bridge the gap between profitability and social good, addressing critical challenges while creating sustainable economic opportunities.

“Social enterprises bridge the gap between profitability and social good, but they often struggle with access to finance, policy support, and capacity-building resources,” said Mr. Abideen. “Through this summit, we aim to ignite meaningful dialogue, build strategic partnerships, and inspire action to create a thriving ecosystem where social enterprises can flourish.”

Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP)

Mr. Khan reinforced the government’s commitment to empowering Pakistan’s youth, stating that investing in their education, skills, and entrepreneurial potential is key to driving national progress.

“This summit serves as a vital platform for policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and young changemakers to come together and discuss sustainable solutions for the future,” he stated. He encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate and take decisive steps toward strengthening Pakistan’s social enterprise landscape.

Panelists and Speakers

The International Summit on Building a Thriving Social Enterprise Ecosystem in Pakistan brought together a diverse panel of experts, investors, and thought leaders who shared their insights on impact investment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

The summit featured insightful panel discussions and sector-specific breakout sessions that delved into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for strengthening the social enterprise ecosystem in Pakistan. In the panel discussion on The Current State of Social Enterprises in Pakistan, moderated by Dr. Muhammad Babur, experts from various sectors shared their perspectives. Shaista Aisha from SEED Ventures highlighted the challenges social entrepreneurs face in scaling their impact, while Nadir Gul Barech from the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) discussed the role of financial inclusion in empowering grassroots enterprises. Irshad Abbasi from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) emphasized the importance of rural development initiatives, and Fauzia Yazdani from UNFPA provided insights into gender inclusion and human rights considerations in the sector.

 Academia represented by Syed Husain Hyder from the Pakistan Institute of Human Rights, discussed the need for research-driven policies to support social enterprises. 

The summit also hosted interactive Breakout Sessions on sector-specific social enterprise models. Moderated by Sofia Noreen, the Climate Change & Green Economy session explored innovations in renewable energy, waste management, and conservation efforts.

 The Education & Skill Development session, led by Hamid Rafiq Khattak and Mariyam Shah, addressed the need for accessible and quality education, while Amara Saeed, Asma Salman Omer, and Asim Shah led discussions on healthcare gaps and community wellness in the Health & Well-being session.

 Khet Kumar and Nidra spearheaded the Technology & Innovation session, showcasing how tech-driven solutions can amplify social impact. Another critical discussion, Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Social Enterprises, was moderated by Muhammad Shah Khan from NIC Quetta. Dr. Shezeen Hemani from LUMS emphasized the role of academia in shaping the future of social enterprises, while Islam Muhammad from Arweqah outlined investment strategies to fund sustainable ventures. Eisha Zeb from Accelerate Prosperity discussed impact acceleration programs, and Aisha Moriani from the Ministry of Climate Change stressed the need for policy frameworks that support social innovation.

 Representing international development partners, Zainab Saeed from ADB and Seher Afsheen from VSO underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaborations to create an enabling environment for social enterprises. These discussions provided a comprehensive roadmap for fostering a thriving social enterprise ecosystem in Pakistan.

Their discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics, from impact investing and policy advocacy to entrepreneurial support systems and sustainable development strategies for Pakistan’s social enterprises.

Conclusion

The International Summit on Building a Flourishing Social Enterprise Ecosystem in Pakistan was not merely an event—it was a change catalyst. By gathering visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, the summit laid the foundation for impactful partnerships and policy reforms that can propel Pakistan's social enterprise sector into the future.

As Pakistan moves forward towards economic strength and social sustainability, such platforms will become increasingly important in empowering changemakers, driving innovation, and creating new avenues for social impact. The energy released at this summit is just the start, and through collaboration, Pakistan can establish a successful and sustainable social enterprise ecosystem.