Event Stories
Visual journeys • Lasting impact
Peacebuilding and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)
On 23rd and 24th May, a two-day training on Peacebuilding and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) was successfully conducted, bringing together youth and community members from diverse backgrounds to strengthen their understanding of peace, conflict transformation, social cohesion, and the prevention of violent extremism. The training provided participants with a platform for learning, dialogue, and reflection on contemporary peace and security challenges. Through interactive presentations, group discussions, conflict analysis exercises, case studies, and experience-sharing sessions, participants explored the root causes of conflict, radicalization, and violent extremism while identifying practical strategies for promoting peace and resilience within their communities.
Participants gained valuable insights into: ✅ Understanding peace, conflict, and conflict transformation ✅ Drivers and impacts of violent extremism ✅ Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) approaches and strategies ✅ Community-based prevention frameworks and interventions ✅ Youth engagement for social cohesion and peaceful coexistence ✅ National and international peacebuilding frameworks The sessions highlighted the critical role of young people in fostering tolerance, inclusion, dialogue, and constructive conflict resolution. Participants actively engaged in discussions and practical exercises, enhancing their analytical skills and developing a deeper understanding of how communities can work together to prevent violence and build sustainable peace. The training concluded with participants expressing their commitment to applying the knowledge and skills gained to promote peace, harmony, and resilience within their organizations, educational institutions, and local communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to **Dr. Saira Farooqi (Chairperson RDF)** for her leadership and support, **Ms. Saima Jasam** for expertly facilitating the training sessions, and **Ms. Neelam Hussain (Director Simorgh & Board Member RDF)** for leading the reflection and closing session. Special thanks to **Mr. Rana Waleed** and **Mr. Mazher Zaheer** for their tireless efforts, dedication, and hard work behind the successful organization and implementation of this training programme. We also sincerely thank all participants for their active engagement, valuable contributions, and commitment to becoming ambassadors of peace and positive change within their communities. Together, we can build stronger, safer, more inclusive, and peaceful communities for future generations. 🤝🌍🕊️
Sowing the Seeds
A Focus Group Discussion was conducted at a Gurdwara in Nankana Sahib with 11 displaced women from Sikh, Christian, and Hindu communities originating from regions such as Kashmore, Bajaur, Bara, Tirah, and FATA. Participants shared that insecurity, threats from militant groups, fear of forced conversions, and limited livelihood opportunities forced their displacement. While they now perceive Nankana Sahib as relatively safer, they face severe economic hardship due to loss of traditional livelihoods and lack of stable income sources.
The discussion further highlighted that women carry disproportionate burdens, including caregiving responsibilities and psychological stress, while many families remain excluded from social protection programs due to documentation barriers. Key recommendations included immediate access to cash and medical support, improved inclusion in welfare schemes, and long-term livelihood restoration through skills training, micro-grants, and women-led cooperatives to support sustainable reintegration and self-reliance.
Training of Youth
A training session titled “Youth Preparedness: Entrepreneurship and Innovation” was successfully conducted on 30th December 2025. The session brought together students from various universities in Lahore, aiming to enhance their awareness and capacity in entrepreneurship and innovative thinking.
The training was led by Ms. Farooqi, Chairperson of RDF, who provided an insightful briefing on the importance of youth preparedness in today’s dynamic socio-economic landscape. She emphasized the role of entrepreneurship and innovation as key drivers for personal and professional growth
The session commenced with participant registration, followed by an introduction round where participants shared their expectations. The main training segment covered essential concepts, practical insights, and motivational guidance on entrepreneurship and innovation.
An interactive question-and-answer session allowed participants to engage directly with the trainer, clarify concepts, and share their perspectives. The training concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognizing the active participation of attendees.Overall, the session was informative, engaging, and well-received by participants, contributing to building their knowledge and interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Disaster Relief Work
Pakistan contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries worldwide. The 2021 Climate Change Policy highlights key challenges, including extreme weather events, erratic monsoons leading to floods and droughts, melting glaciers in the Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalayan region, water scarcity affecting agriculture, rising air pollution and smog causing health issues, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increased migration. These factors are intensifying risks to livelihoods and overall human security.
In response, RDF focuses on raising awareness among youth, women, minorities, and marginalized communities about international and national climate policies, while building understanding of climate impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, health, and socio-economic conditions. The organization also promotes adaptation, mitigation, and disaster preparedness, alongside providing relief during emergencies, including its support to flood-affected communities in 2025.
1st Board Meeting
The inaugural Board of Directors meeting of Roshan Development Foundation was successfully held on 31st August 2024, laying a strong foundation for effective governance, strategic direction, and institutional growth. During the meeting, the Board structure was formalized with key leadership roles confirmed, alongside a firm commitment to full legal compliance and proper documentation. An initial roadmap was developed outlining operations, staffing, and accountability systems, with a clear focus on enhancing organizational visibility, building partnerships, and strengthening strategic outreach. Overall, the meeting established a clear path forward to reinforce institutional systems, expand collaborations, and deliver impactful programs.
