The India Study Center at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) successfully organized the inaugural “Next-Generation International Security Experts Conference 2024,” aimed at engaging youth and fostering critical thinking and research culture among them.
Held on March 7, 2024, the conference witnessed participation from students and young researchers from various universities and think tanks, who presented papers on topics crucial to Pakistan’s interests and regional security dynamics.
Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director of the India Study Center, emphasized the importance of promoting policy-oriented research among young scholars. He announced that the conference proceedings would be compiled into a book for publication in June 2024.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, underscored the significance of fresh perspectives in policy research, particularly in today’s rapidly evolving global and regional landscape. He highlighted the indispensable role of youth in shaping Pakistan’s future and encouraged participants to embrace innovation, adaptability, and professionalism in their pursuits.
Ambassador Imran Ahmad Siddiqui, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered remarks on the regional geopolitical dynamics and Pakistan’s stance on various issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He urged academic and research institutions to deepen their understanding of individual South Asian states and the region.
The conference comprised three sessions covering terrorism, strategic stability, and non-traditional security threats in South Asia. Mentors, including renowned academics Dr. Muhammad Khan, Chairman, Social Sciences Department, International Islamic University, Islamabad; Dr. Adil Sultan, Dean, Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies, Air University, Islamabad; and Dr. Adam Saud, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, provided valuable feedback to young scholars, encouraging them to enhance the substance and depth of their research.
A total of 130 abstracts were submitted for publication. 11 young scholars were chosen. Muhammad Faizan Fakhar, Gökhan Umut from Turkiye, Izaz Ullah, Mubeen Ashraf, Shayan Jamy, Tayyaba Khurshid, Areesha Manzoor, Hira Sarwar, Zohran Baig, Muneeb Salman presented research papers on critical subjects in Pakistan and their impact on regional security.
In his concluding remarks, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, commended the unique initiative, emphasizing ISSI’s commitment to nurturing young talent. He expressed hope for more such events in the future, underscoring ISSI’s dedication to promoting dialogue and research excellence.
The “Next-Generation International Security Experts Conference 2024” was a significant step forward in ISSI’s initiatives to involve youngsters and develop a culture of study and critical inquiry, laying the groundwork for future collaboration and knowledge exchange in international security studies.
