LAHORE, April 14: Former federal minister Javed Jabbar has urged the need for ensuring sustainability of a number of NGOs and other social sector organisations operating in Pakistan.

He was speaking at the concluding session of the LUMS-McGill Social Enterprise Development Centre’s (SEDC) `Social Sector Action Plan 2007’ symposium here on Saturday.

Mr Jabbar said volunteer work had long been missing out of the social development scene of Pakistan. He was of the view that without volunteer work, sustainability and smooth operations of such organisations could not be made possible.

The two-day symposium brought together over 250 guests from the social sector of Pakistan. Representatives of a number of donor agencies/organisations like Canadian International Development Agency CIDA), USA Information Service (USAIS), CITY Foundation and JE Austin also indulged in panel discussions about the scope of funding the social development programmes in Pakistan.

Presentations and panel discussions continued in the second day too, analysing the input of SEDC in managing and building the capacity of NGO personnel in various fields.

The social sector action plan 2007 began on April 13. In his keynote address, LUMS vice-chancellor Dr Syed Zahoor Hassan termed the SEDC’s plan the `conscience of LUMS’ for strengthening the capacity of social organisations. He mentioned that the enlarging NGO sector had in itself posed new challenges, which would be addressed by enhancing the managerial capacity of related organisations.

The symposium was attended by civil society leaders, economists, and representatives from donor agencies, McGill University and Concordia University.

The speakers urged the local corporate sector to operate as socially responsible entities and facilitate the NGOs in their commendable efforts for social uplift.

LUMS rector and former commerce minister Razzak Dawood said the change in Pakistan had to come from the grassroots level, and there was a need to enhance the capacity of social sector organisations. He stressed on improving the capacity and capability of NGOs in order to bring about a meaningful change in the quality of life of poor people.

Dr Peter Schneider from McGill University, Canada, Dr Rafaat Saade from Concordia University, Canada, Mrs Surriya Anwar, president SOS Children Villages, Pakistan and Dr Syed Mubashir Ali, director SEDC, also spoke.