The maiden session of the 2023 ACCA Pakistan Leadership Dialogue (PLC) in Islamabad featured an impressive lineup of the nation’s top thought leaders.

The topic of this year’s event is “Shaping the future in unpredictable times: Learn. Adapt. Thrive.” with Pakistan’s difficult economic position as a focal point. The agenda for the Islamabad session included a number of panel discussions and keynote addresses that addressed the main business and economic issues of the day and offered recommendations for how to address them. These recommendations included addressing climate change, improving public financial management, developing future-ready talent, and achieving business resilience and economic growth.

In his welcome message, Assad Hameed Khan, the head of ACCA in Pakistan, focused on the importance of skilled accountants in fostering a strong nation.

Zeeshan Sheikh, the IFC’s country head in Pakistan, also provided his thoughts on “Investment Opportunities for Climate Action.” Speaking on the subject of “National Adaptation Plan: Building Resilience and Reducing Vulnerabilities,” Muhammad Farooq, Senior Joint Secretary (Development) at the Ministry of Climate Change, discussed how to combine government and business efforts to lessen the effects of climate change.

In his welcome message, Assad Hameed Khan, the head of ACCA in Pakistan, focused on the importance of skilled accountants in fostering a strong nation.

Zeeshan Sheikh, the IFC’s country head in Pakistan, also provided his thoughts on “Investment Opportunities for Climate Action.” Speaking on the subject of “National Adaptation Plan: Building Resilience and Reducing Vulnerabilities,” Muhammad Farooq, Senior Joint Secretary (Development) at the Ministry of Climate Change, discussed how to combine government and business efforts to lessen the effects of climate change.

As co-organizers this year, ACCA was joined by Seed Ventures. The Strategic Partners were The Coca-Cola Corporation and Bank Islami. The Millennium Universal College, U Microfinance Bank, and SKANS School of Accounting were Platinum Partners. As Gold Partners, Tabani’s School of Accountancy, PAC Group of Colleges, National Clearing Corporation of Pakistan Ltd, Telenor Group Adroit Accountax/Obox Accounting, National Disaster Risk Management Fund, and Mirchawala’s Hub of Accountancy are sponsored. KPMG and Nutshell Group were the knowledge partners, while TCM—The Centrum Media—joined as the outreach partner.

The event is also supported by the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), Pakistan Stock Exchange, Special Technology Zones Authority, Pakistan Software Houses Association, KP Board of Investment and Trade, The Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business (PBC), ICMA Pakistan, National Incubation Center, Universal Service Fund, Punjab Board of Investment & Trade, Punjab Information Technology Board, Central Power Purchasing Agency, and the CFA Society Pakistan.

ACCA is the world’s leading body for professional accountants, with more than 241,000 fully qualified members and 542,000 future members worldwide. It uses its unrivalled connections across the globe to connect people with fulfilling careers, organizations with the best finance talent, and economies with the ingredients for growth.