Improving opportunities for persons with disabilities discussed

KARACHI: A round-table discussion titled “UpliftingU” was held to promote education, skills development, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities through collaboration between academia and industry.

The discussion was organised by Unilever Pakistan in partnership with NOWPDP and the Pakistan Business Council.

Held at Unilever Pakistan’s head office, the round-table brought together participants who explored practical solutions for integrating the talents of persons with disabilities into the country’s future workforce. They also reviewed the systemic reforms needed to promote equal access in educational and professional environments.

Following an initial background briefing, the participants engaged in a debate highlighting structural barriers, gaps in inclusive education frameworks, and the need for stronger cooperation among industry, academia, and the development sector.

During the meeting, NOWPDP, in collaboration with Unilever Pakistan, also announced a new capacity-building program aimed at expanding skill-development opportunities and improving employment prospects for persons with disabilities. This initiative was described as an important milestone in strengthening the inclusion system and supports national priorities related to equal opportunities and dignified employment.

Speaking at the discussion, Sanam Shaikh (Head of Human Resources, Unilever Pakistan), Nazish Shaikha (representative of CERB, the research and advocacy platform of the Pakistan Business Council), and Umair Ahmed (CEO, NOWPDP) said that persons with disabilities still face persistent inequalities. Pakistan has nearly 27 million persons with disabilities, but very few are able to access higher education or employment because the environment has not yet been made fully accessible.

The speakers emphasised that dignity and equal opportunities must be ensured.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025