By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: SOT Events launched its 20th edition, titled Possible Worlds, in Islamabad on October 24, bringing together prominent voices from diverse fields for a day of discussions on the future of humanity.

Themed around the idea that the future offers multiple possibilities shaped by decisions made today, the event featured eight sessions covering a wide range of issues, including the future of learning and work, climate resilience, online safety, artificial intelligence (AI), beauty, geopolitics, conflict and the arts.

The Islamabad gathering was the first of three events planned across the country, with Lahore and Karachi scheduled to host subsequent editions. Despite stormy weather, the event attracted large audiences from Islamabad and surrounding areas.

One of the key highlights was Who Owns Imagination?, a distinctive combination of discussion and music featuring Ali Azmat and voices from the music and arts communities. Curated in collaboration with the Lahore Biennale Foundation, the session explored AI’s impact on creativity and artistic expression. A live DJ performance added an interactive dimension to the discussion.

Another widely attended session brought together aestheticians and psychologists to examine societal pressures surrounding ideal appearance, the role of AI in shaping beauty standards, and the physical and psychological costs of pursuing them.

An engaging debate explored whether AI is making people less human, examining its potential benefits alongside concerns about its effects on creativity, judgement and human connection.

In a discussion led by Syed Talat Hussain, Dr Moeed Yusuf, Fahd Husain and Munizae Jahangir examined shifting global power dynamics and the implications of an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

Other sessions addressed pressing challenges facing families and communities. Growing Up Online explored the shared responsibility of protecting children from digital harm, while Communities on the Climate Frontline examined how communities most exposed to climate-related shocks can strengthen their resilience.

Organised by the Beaconhouse Group, SOT Events has evolved over more than 25 years into one of Pakistan’s prominent platforms for open public discourse.

This year, the series is being held in three cities. Following the Islamabad launch, Possible Worlds will move to Lahore on November 28 and 29 at Faletti’s Hotel, featuring two days of conversations, debates, performances and interactive experiences. The series will conclude in Karachi on December 12 at Beach Luxury Hotel.

Speaking about this year’s theme, SOT Events Chair and Beaconhouse CEO Kasim Kasuri said, “SOT has always created space to question, challenge and exchange ideas openly. Taking Possible Worlds to three cities allows us to widen that exchange and bring more people into conversations that will ultimately affect us all.”

United Bank Limited (UBL) is the lead sponsor of SOT Events 2026, supporting the series across all three cities.