On 13th October 2025, the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan-Pakistan Business and Disability Network (EFP-PBDN), in collaboration with GIZ, successfully hosted the National Forum on Employment of Persons with Disabilities, bringing together industry leaders, government representatives, development partners, organizations for persons with disabilities, and employers committed to advancing inclusive employment practices across Pakistan.
The forum served as a national platform to highlight the urgent need for stronger linkages between industry, academia, and disability organizations to improve employment pathways for persons with disabilities. Discussions centered on bridging existing gaps, understanding sector-specific challenges, and strengthening coordination to create accessible, equitable, and sustainable opportunities in the labor market.
One of the most impactful components of the forum was the interactive group exercise, where participants from diverse sectors were intentionally shuffled into mixed groups. They were encouraged to engage in open conversations about the challenges they face, the support they require, and how cross-sector collaboration could help them overcome barriers and achieve shared milestones.
Uniting Stakeholders, Unlocking Opportunities: Advancing Inclusive Employment Nationwide
Stakeholders appreciated the opportunity to hear one another’s perspectives, identify practical gaps, and co-create actionable steps to strengthen collaboration for disability-inclusive employment. Several noted that this was the first time they had participated in such a cross-sector discussion, emphasizing that the exercise offered clarity, motivation, and renewed commitment toward inclusive workforce development.
This collaborative exchange not only generated valuable action items but also reinforced the importance of sustained partnerships between employers, training institutions, and disability organizations. The forum demonstrated that meaningful progress is possible when diverse stakeholders come together, share experiences, and collectively build solutions that advance inclusive employment across Pakistan.