October 30, 2019, Today the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) held its 3rd International Conference on Research and Learning, entitled ‘Beyond Action, Towards Transformation’. The conference focused on developing further dimensions in knowledge and assessed how PPAF’s interventions poor have transformed the lives and communities of the poor. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Dr. Sania Nishtar was a keynote speaker at the inaugural session of the conference. Addressing the audience on the occasion, she said, “I would like to congratulate PPAF on putting together the 3rd International Conference on Research and Learning which will help us navigate the impact of the Graduation Programme on a national scale. Through the Poverty Graduation Programme we aim to make the beneficiaries independent and self-reliant by providing the vulnerable segments of society with livelihoods and social protection. The government is committed to creating greater social and economic equality. Under the ambit of Ehsaas we envision to empower millions across Pakistan by laying greater emphasis on asset transfer.” Other notable speakers at the conference included Hubert Boirard, Country Programme Manager for Pakistan at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Dr Imran Rasul, Professor of Economics at University College London, Mr. Ijaz Nabi, Mr. Rehan Rafay Jamil, Ms. Ruven Menikdiwela, Country Representative for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Pakistan and many others.
