Birmingham: On 19 September 2024, the Urban Village Hall in Birmingham hosted the inspiring launch of Vibrant Voices CIC during the “Empowering Voices: A New Era for Birmingham’s Pakistani Community” event.
Over 70 community members, leaders, and public figures gathered to celebrate this new initiative, which aims to amplify the voices of Birmingham’s Pakistani community and promote leadership development. Organised by Vibrant Voices, the event introduced the Pakistani Leadership Programme, a key initiative designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders within the community.
This programme aligns with the organisation ’s vision to create a platform for meaningful change through empowerment, leadership, and community-driven initiatives. Ayoub Khan MP delivered a powerful keynote address on overcoming adversity and showing leadership during challenging times. Bukhtawar Mir, Head of Chancery at the Pakistan Consulate in Birmingham, emphasised the crucial role of Pakistani women in leadership, highlighting their contributions as a force for positive change within the community. Lucy Caldicott, Chief of Staff to the West Midlands Mayor, spoke on the significant contributions of individuals, particularly from the Pakistani community, to the region’s success. Waqar Ahmed MBE, Assistant Director of Community Safety and Resilience at Birmingham City Council, discussed the importance of identity and community leadership in today’s social landscape.
The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, followed by networking opportunities and a shared dinner. The launch of Vibrant Voices CIC marks a new chapter in the journey toward inclusive and diverse leadership within Birmingham’s Pakistani community. Founder Atif Ali BEM stated, “Vibrant Voices was born out of the findings of the Birmingham Pakistani Report, launched in June 2023. Our goal is to transform these insights into actionable leadership and empowerment programmes, and this event is just the beginning.
” Vibrant Voices CIC is dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities, with a focus on leadership development, community empowerment, and creating platforms for change. The organisation strives to build strong, resilient leaders capable of addressing the social and economic challenges faced by their communities.
Report by S M Irfan Tahir Photojournalist / Member National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Great Britain.
