‘Social Expo-2016’, a novel approach, is an initiative taken regularly by Markaz-e-Umeed, a local NGO to bring together a number of NGOs and NPOs from various corners of Pakistan under one roof. The objective of the Social Expo is to show case the distinctive efforts of these organizations for the humanity aimed at enhancing quality of life of the marginalized communities of the society.
The third edition of ‘Social Expo’ was held at December 18, 2016 at Karachi Expo Center under an inspiring theme of ‘Showcasing Social Activism’. SSGC’s Corporate Communication Department proactively supported Markaz-e-Umeed in this venture through complete branding and media coverage of the event. Markaz-e-Umeed’s Director Zeeshan Siddiqui and his team worked hard in putting together a grand show, ably assisted by Corporate Communications’ Head Shahbaz Islam and his team that included Salman A. Siddiqui, DGM, Muhammad Ali Gohar, Chief Manager (Media Relations), Mohammad Safdar, DM (Media Relations) and Farhan Munaf, DM (Advertising) among others.
Senator Nehal Hashmi and President KCCI Mr. Shamim Firpo jointly inaugurated the Social Expo 2016. More than 200 non-profit organizations engaged in serving the humanity participated in the event. On this occasion, accomplished motivational speakers including Shahbaz Islam, Umair Jaliawala and Yogi Wajahat inspired the audience with their mesmerizing and thought provoking words.
During the event, speakers appreciated the thought behind the Expo and congratulated Markaz-e-Umeed and SSGC for continuing with this noble initiative taken first time some four years ago. M. Rizwan Jaffer, renowned anchorperson and Chairman of Youth Parliament was the master of ceremony. Performances from Markaz-e-Umeed special children added an element of fun and festivity for the visitors.
Throughout the day, Hall No. 5 of the Expo Centre remained the hub of activity as scores of corporate sector personnel, and general public visited the booths. For the last one month, 5,000 volunteers from the Youth Parliament ensured impressive participation from multifarious sectors including corporate, government, diplomats, academia, healthcare, media, and others through personal contacts and word of mouth approach.
Awards were given to a number of organizations that have a proud history of serving less privileged ones for a long period of time. The awards were conferred upon WWF-Pakistan, Alamgir Welfare Trust International, LRBT, Saylani Welfare International Trust, The Citizens Foundation, Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation, Ida-Rieu School, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, The Indus Hospital, Edhi Foundation, Darul Sukun, Akhuwat and Make-a-Wish Foundation.