On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the KOICA Alumni Association Pakistan (KAAP) successfully hosted its second Knowledge Sharing Seminar of the year at the Pearl-Continental (PC) Hotel in Lahore. The event was attended by approximately 70 participants, including Ms. Harim GO, Deputy Country Director of the KOICA Pakistan Office; Mr. Masood Anwar, Additional Secretary of the Punjab Planning and Development Department; directors from various ministries; local government officials; and KAAP alumni.
The seminar aimed to strengthen the role of alumni from KOICA’s global fellowship program, CIAT (Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow), as key agents in knowledge dissemination. By sharing technical expertise and insights gained in Korea, alumni are expected to reinforce the KAAP network and contribute to regional development. The event also provided an opportunity for participants to explore the latest trends in development cooperation and to further solidify the bonds of friendship between Korea and Pakistan.
In her remarks, Ms. Harim GO expressed heartfelt appreciation to KAAP members and all stakeholders, stating, “For more than 30 years, KOICA has been committed to cooperation centered on capacity building. We hope the alumni network will continue to play a vital role in Pakistan’s sustainable development.” She particularly commended the breadth of activities and potential of Pakistani alumni, stressing that this gathering would serve as a new catalyst for Korea–Pakistan cooperation.
During the seminar, Ms. Qurrat-ul-Ain Qazi, Planning Officer of the Punjab Planning and Development Department, shared that her training experience in Korea had brought about a significant transformation in her professional work. She highlighted improvements in project efficiency and transparency through long-term goal setting and the use of digital tools, as well as the introduction of STEM-based education, public–private partnerships, and Korean-style time management. She further noted, “Korea’s remarkable journey from the ruins of war to becoming a global leader has been a profound source of inspiration. In particular, the culture of systematic planning, accountability, and respect for learning offers valuable lessons for Pakistan.”
At the closing remarks, Mr. Najeeb Alsam, Project Coordination Specialist of DREAMS at the Asian Development Bank, expressed his honor in participating in the event and underscored the valuable lessons of leadership, cooperation, and diligence drawn from Korea’s development experience. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of building on the existing social capital, expressing his hope that KOICA and its partner organizations will continue to work together to promote the welfare and shared prosperity of the people of Pakistan.
Since its establishment in 2010, KAAP has organized annual knowledge-sharing seminars and exchange programs, with a total of 1,841 Pakistani participants benefiting from KOICA’s global fellowship program. This year’s seminar not only underscored the ongoing partnership between Korea and Pakistan but also strengthened alumni-driven contributions to local communities by promoting the practical application of their training experiences.
