April – June 2020

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Center for Global & Strategic Newsletter Quarterly (April – June 2020) Studies (CGSS), Islamabad

CGSS is a public policy institution with a mission to help improve policy and decision-making through analysis and research. For the pursuance of excellence, we regularly organize Seminars, Conferences and Interactive Sessions on various national and international issues. During the time period from April 2020 – June 2020, CGSS has been working proficiently on the current regional and international affairs, particularly focusing on the global dynamics in the pretext of COVID-19 pandemic. CGSS engaged various experts from all walks of life to incorporate their valuable input regarding the current challenges posed by the pandemic along with their insight on geo-political and strategic issues. CGSS is credited to initiate a series of Webinars in the current pandemic situation. The details are as below:

WEBINARS

“How Eurasian Countries are ensuring Preventive Measures against COVID-19" On 14th April 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organized an “Online Conference” with the Ambassadors and Diplomats of the Embassy of , Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and, Russia on the topic “How Eurasian Countries are Ensuring Preventive Measures Against COVID-19 & Their Suggestions for Others”.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

Suggested Measures for Lifting the Lockdown: What can be the Phases On 15th April 2020, CGSS organized an “Online conference” on the topic “Suggested Measures for Lifting the Lockdown: What can be the Phases”. The session aimed to discuss the recommendations that can be fruitful for uplifting the lockdown.

Post Doha Agreement Afghanistan: Implications and Options for Pakistan On 22nd April 2020, CGSS and Area Study Centre (Russia, & Central Asia), University of Peshawar jointly organized a “Webinar” “Post Doha Agreement Afghanistan: Implications and Options for Pakistan”. The Conference was organized to analyze the peace deal between U.S. and Taliban and its implication for Pakistan.

China’s Efforts to Combat COVID-19 and Humanitarian Aid to the World On 23rd April 2020, CGSS organized a Webinar “China’s Efforts to Combat COVID- 19 and Humanitarian Aid to the World” Keeping in view the current situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan and around the world, CGSS has organized an online international Conference with Embassy of China, Islamabad. The Conference was jointly organized with the Embassy of Peoples Republic of China, Islamabad

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Newsletter April – June 2020

“Measures Being Taken by Countries Around the Globe Against COVID-19” On 16th April 2020, the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organized an “Online International Conference” on the topic “Measures Being Taken by Countries Around the Globe Against COVID-19”. The session aimed to discuss the effective steps taken by various countries all around the globe to combat COVID-19. The Webinar was attended by experts from China, Azerbaijan, Russia, , Thailand, , Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director CGSS moderated the event.

“Impacts of COVID-19 on Agriculture Sector in Pakistan”

On 21st April 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organized an “Online Conference” on the topic “Impacts of COVID-19 on Agriculture Sector in Pakistan”. The session aimed to discuss the current situation of the agriculture sector and to comprehend the harmful impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on the agribusiness.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

Role of Pakistan's Diaspora in Economic Development of the Country

On 5th May 2020, The State Committee on Work with Diaspora, Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan jointly organized an exclusive Webinar with the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad on the topic, “Role of Pakistan's Diaspora in Economic Development of the Country”.

Importance of Leadership Skills during Crisis Management On 7th May 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) and Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamabad jointly organized an “International Webinar” on “Importance of Leadership Skills during Crisis Management”. This Webinar was dedicated to the 97th Birth Anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, National Leader of Azerbaijan. The Webinar was aimed to spread awareness on the significance of leadership qualities during the crisis in context of COVID-19.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

The need for trainings, awareness and leadership in our nation, especially in youth On 11th May 2020, The Platform by CGSS organized a Webinar on “The need for trainings, awareness and leadership in our nation, especially in youth”. 'THE PLATFORM', an initiative by the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad in collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Pakistan. The aim of the Webinar was to highlight the significance and awareness of trainings and leadership qualities of the youth and nation building.

Working of Azerbaijan's State Committee of Diaspora and How Azerbaijan Diaspora is contributing in Nation Building On 13th May 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized a webinar on the topic, “Working of Azerbaijan's State Committee of Diaspora and How Azerbaijan Diaspora is contributing in Nation Building”, in collaboration with the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan. The session was moderated by Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd) - Executive Director CGSS.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

Reopening Of The Educational Institutes Post COVID-19: Effects And Precautions To Be Observed

On 18th May 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized an International webinar on the topic, “Reopening Of The Educational Institutes Post COVID- 19: Effects And Precautions To Be Observed”, At this time of the health crisis, educational sector all over the world is effected badly and countries are taking practical measures to avoid the educational loss. The aim of the Webinar was to consolidate all the sufficient measures from different countries including Hungary, Russia, China and other European countries.

Webinar on, “RIP: Book Reading” On 22nd June 2020, The Platform by CGSS, Islamabad organized a Webinar on the topic “RIP: Book Reading”. The session aimed to discuss the dying habit of Book Reading, the significance of libraries, and how to revive it. Furthermore, the webinar focused on highlighting the role of various stakeholders to promote the culture of book reading among the youth.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

Latest Situation in Kashmir Vis-À-Vis Indian Policies On 19th May 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized a Webinar on the topic, “Latest Situation in Kashmir Vis-À-Vis Indian Policies”. This Webinar was organized to examine the prevailing situation in Kashmir while analyzing the Indian strategies and what can be the possible policy options for

Pakistan. His Excellency Sardar Masood Khan - President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was the Chief Guest at the occasion.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

Webinar on "Azerbaijan-Pakistan Defence Cooperation: Successes & Opportunities" On 24th June 2020, Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamabad, and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad jointly organized a Webinar titled Azerbaijan-Pakistan Defence Cooperation: Successes & Opportunities dedicated to the 102nd Anniversary of Azerbaijan Armed Forces.

Webinar on “The Leadership Phenomenon of the first President of Kazakhstan His Excellency Elbasy N. Nazarbayev On 26th June 2020, Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Islamabad & Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad jointly organized a Webinar on “The Leadership Phenomenon of the first President of Kazakhstan His Excellency Elbasy N. Nazarbayev”.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

Webinar on “COVID-19 Chronicles: A Women Perspective” On 29th June 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organized a Webinar on “COVID-19 Chronicles: A Women Perspective”. The aim of the Webinar was to analyze how COVID-19 is impacting women and to allow the respective authorities to respond effectively to their vulnerabilities. The session was commenced with the opening remarks by Ms. Mehreen Gul, Director CGSS. She welcomed all the speakers and participants to the Webinar. She highlighted the significant role of women in our society and how women have continued to play a constructive role in nation building.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

MEETINGS

Video conference of His Excellency Furqat A. Sidikov - Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan with Lt. Col Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, CGSS and management of CGSS On 29th May 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad arranged a video conference with His Excellency Furqat A. Sidikov – Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan to discuss future avenues of collaboration between the embassy and CGSS.

CGSS Senior Management Meeting with His Excellency Furqat A. Sidikov – Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan On 5th June 2020, the senior management of CGSS held a farewell meeting with His Excellency Furqat A. Sidikov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan. The management of CGSS appreciated the efforts of H.E. Furqat Sidikov for the enhancement of Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral ties. CGSS management acknowledged and applauded H.E. Furqat Sidikov for his outstanding contribution during his tenure in various fields including research, trade, and economy.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

Online meeting between Embassy of Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamabad and senior management of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad On 8th June 2020, the senior management of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad including Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery (Retd) – President CGSS and Lt Col Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, CGSS arranged a online meeting with His Excellency Ali Alizada – Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan and diplomats of the Azerbaijan Embassy including, Mr. Samir Guliyev – Second Secretary & Deputy head of the Mission & Mr. Elchin Mehdiyev – Third Secretary, from the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan.

Meeting of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad with Senior Management of Center for New Inclusive Asia, Malaysia On 25th June, 2020 senior management of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad had an online meeting with the senior management of Center for New Inclusive Asia, a think tank based in Malaysia. During the meeting, CGSS International collaborations and participation in regional connectivity was discussed and areas of mutual interests like, BRI, CPEC and strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan & Malaysia were also brought under consideration.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

Meeting between Diplomats of Uzbekistan Embassy, CGSS and Sialkot Airport Authority On 26th June 2020, a meeting was held between Lt Col Saad Ullah, Charge De Affairs/Defence Attaché and other diplomatic staff of Embassy of Uzbekistan, Islamabad, Lt Col Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Senior Officials of Sialkot Airport Authority at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islamabad.

CGSS, University of the Punjab, Lahore agrees to enhance work on cooperation with regional countries On 2nd July 2020, CGSS team headed by Lt Col Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad met with Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar (S.I.) - Vice- Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore at Lahore.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

MoU Signed

MoU Signing Ceremony held between Center for Global & Strategic Studies, Islamabad and Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) at Bahawalpur On 11th June 2020, Major General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed (Retd), Vice President CGSS and Brigadier Abdullah Khan (Retd), Senior Member Advisory Board CGSS visited Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB). The visiting dignitaries met with Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob, Vice Chancellor, Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Senior Head of Departments and Faculty Members. During the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB).

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Newsletter April – June 2020

INAUGURATION OF CGSS CORNER

‘CGSS Corner’ Inaugurated at the Library of Area Study Center (China, Russia & Central Asia) at University of Peshawar, Peshawar On 6th July 2020, Major General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed (Retd), Vice President, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Prof. Dr. Shabbir Ahmed, Director, Area Study Center (Russia, China and Central Asia), University of Peshawar inaugurated the ‘CGSS Corner’ at the Library of Area Study Center (China, Russia & Central Asia). Both the Centers have signed a MoU regarding the event. The CGSS Corner will comprise of Publications and Reports published/printed by CGSS.

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Newsletter April – June 2020

RESEARCH WORK BY CGSS CGSS has been actively working in the domain of Research and Analysis. During the month of April, May and June. CGSS published a variety of papers. The details are as below:

Articles on COVID-19: 19 Research Papers: 3 Analysis Papers: 9 Current Affairs/Opinion Articles: 45 CGSS Young Writer Articles: 8

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Newsletter April – June 2020

PUBLICATIONS

 Webinar Report "COVID-19: Pakistan’s Comprehensive Response"

 Webinar Report "How Eurasian Countries are Ensuring Preventive Measures Against COVID-19"

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Newsletter April – June 2020

 Webinar Report "Suggested Measures  Webinar Report “Impacts of for Lifting the Lockdown: What can be COVID-19 on Agriculture the Phases" Sector in Pakistan”

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Newsletter April – June 2020

 Webinar Report "Post Doha  Webinar Report "Latest Situation Agreement Afghanistan: in Kashmir Vis-À-Vis Indian Implications and Options for Policies" Pakistan"

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Newsletter April – June 2020

 Webinar Report "China’s Efforts to Combat COVID-19 and Humanitarian Aid to the World"

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Newsletter April – June 2020

THE PLATFORM BY CGSS

“THE PLATFORM”, is an initiative by the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) with a diverse team of Professionals and Resources to produce customized training, workshops, boot camps, and policy guidelines to assist in creating an inclusive empowered and enabled human capital with aspiration to excel in their professional lives and be an integral part of creating a better society for all. Online Courses  “MASTERING THE BASICS SKILLS OF THE IT WORLD” The Platform by CGSS launched an Online Course for the students where they were taught graphic designing and web development free of cost. The aim of the online course was to equip the students with the skills so that they can start earning through freelancing during this pandemic.

 “FREELANCING THE RIGHT WAY: BEGINNER’S GUIDE” The Platform by CGSS launched an Online Course through which the participants were taught the basics of Freelancing and how they can earn proficiently in the freelance market.

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