ISLAMABAD: The international food festival ‘Taste the World’ was held on Sunday which featured 29 embassies. The festival also served as a fundraiser for charity projects that benefit vulnerable groups, especially women and children.

The festival was a celebration of culinary diversity and cultural exchange, bringing people together through the universal language of food.

According to a statement, the participating embassies offered a unique and authentic taste through cuisine ranging from savoury dishes to sweet treats, representing the flavours and traditions of the world.

The charity event was a collaborative effort of many embassies, the Islamabad Foreign Women’s Association (IFWA), Serena Hotels and the Head of Missions’ Spouses (HOMS) Group, with the participation of the Pakistan Foreign Office Women Association (PFOWA).

IFWA and the Serena Hotels have a long history of partnership that aims to make a meaningful impact by raising funds for charity projects that benefit vulnerable groups, especially women and children in Pakistan.

CEO of Serena Hotels Aziz Boolani said his hotel’s commitment to cultural diplomacy extended beyond hospitality; it was about creating meaningful connections through shared experiences.

‘Taste the World’ was not just a culinary event, it was a celebration of diversity, unity and compassion. Through the language of food, the organisation bridged cultures, nurtured understanding and empowered communities.

The organisers also announced that the proceeds from this event would be directed towards IFWA funds, aimed at supporting underprivileged communities. Together with IFWA and the Serena Hotel, they embarked on a culinary journey

that enriched lives and fostered a brighter, more inclusive future for all, the statement said.

IFWA is a non-political, non-profit charitable organisation established in 1995 by women from around the world living in Islamabad. IFWA’s organising committee, drawn from the volunteering spouses of foreign diplomats and expats, created an exciting programme of cultural and social activities with all profits going to worthwhile causes.

Through various programmes and initiatives, IFWA provided support, resources and opportunities to women and children in need and those facing social and economic challenges.

Some past projects included donating 100 wheelchairs to the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, providing school supplies to the Haraf Foundation, Khatoon-i-Fatima High School and Al-Firdous Community Model School as well as medical equipment to Care for Special Persons (CFSP).

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2024