Young Global Leaders Announce Contributions to Earthquake-damaged Region in Pakistan
The Forum of Young Global Leaders announced today the creation of The Kaghan Valley Development Organization in partnership with the government of Pakistan and leaders in the local business community. This organization will oversee the distribution of loans to reinvigorate the tourism industry that is vital to the greater Kaghan Valley region, where Balakot, the city that was totally decimated by the earthquake is located. A delegation from The Forum of Young Global Leaders headed by Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Pakistani Minister of IT, visited the areas of Pakistan affected by the October 8th earthquake from 13 December through 16 December to assess the situation on the ground and formulate a YGL Response Plan to contribute to the region’s long-term reconstruction and economic development. During their time in Pakistan, the Young Global Leaders delegation met with Prime Minister Aziz, Federal Relief Commissioner General Farooq Khan, Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation Authority head Lt-General Muhammed Zubair, and US Ambassador Ryan Crocker in addition to spending two days in the field in Balakot, Mansehra, and Muzzafarabad. The delegation included: Michelle Guthrie, CEO, Star Group Limited; Bret Stephens of the Editorial Board of the Wall Street Journal; Alja Brglez, Director, Institute of Civilization and Culture; and Nafisa Shah, former Mayor of Khairpur, Pakistan.