Young Leaders Conference 2025 Day 3 Explores Power of Informed Citizenship

By Dr. Ansab Ali — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Day 3 of the Young Leaders Conference (YLC) 2025 centered on the theme “Manifesting Informed Citizenship,” encouraging young leaders to critically engage with politics, economics, culture, and civic responsibility in an increasingly interconnected world.

The day commenced with reflective sessions and meditation, setting a thoughtful and mindful tone for dialogue and self-awareness. Participants examined the power of narratives in shaping societies during the session “Creativity Is a Superpower,” led by Ali Rez. This was followed by “Think Global, Act Local,” where Atiya Zaidi emphasized the importance of combining global awareness with meaningful local action.

An interactive activity titled “Breaking the Narrative,” facilitated by Ali Haider, engaged participants in examining how narratives are constructed, how they influence public perception, and their impact on individuals and communities. The session fostered critical thinking, dialogue, and reflection on personal and collective responsibility in shaping societal narratives.

Immersive simulations such as “Paisa Aur Power” provided participants with firsthand insight into how money, alliances, and influence shape systems and decision-making processes. Sessions including “Who Is Responsible for What?” by Syed Habibullah and “When Youth Took Charge” by Irfan Junejo further explored themes of accountability, governance, and the evolving role of youth in shaping national and global discourse.

The evening featured creative and expressive breakout sessions across writing, journalism, theatre, dance, music, and digital media, highlighting the role of art and expression as powerful tools for awareness, resistance, and social change. The day concluded with a red-carpet dinner and “Warrior Stories,” celebrating youth voices, resilience, and collective purpose.

Day 3 reaffirmed YLC’s commitment to nurturing conscious, informed, and engaged citizens equipped to question systems, participate actively in civic life, and lead with empathy and responsibility.