Announcing Launch of Campaign “Demilitarization, Democratization and Social Justice†(Kathmandu, March 26-27, 2014)

SAAPE Secretariat and its Campaign “Demilitarization, Democratization and Social Justice†(led by Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research - PILER; Co-organiser: Human Rights Alliance, Nepal) invite all the members of SAAPE and Peoples SAARC to attend a South Asia regional convergence at Hotel Orchid, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal on March 26-27, 2014.
Mr. Bam Dev Gautam (TBC), Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal will be the chief guest at the inaugural session of the regional convergence. Ambassadors of all South Asian countries and SAARC Secretary General have been invited to attend the inaugural session. Delegates from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal would attend this regional moot. Attached is the detailed programme and the Concept Note of the Convergence.

Feel free contacting me or HR Alliance (Mr BhojRaj Adhikari mobile # 0977-1-9851085764 and Telephone # 0977-91-4464192) or SAAPE Secretariat (Mr. Praman Adhikari) for any further information.
Best regards,

Shujauddin Qureshi
Co-Manager Programmes (Advocacy and Networking)
Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER)
Gulshan-e-Maymar, Karachi-75340
Ph: +(92-21) 36351145-7
Fax: +(92-21) 36350345
Cell: +(92)300-3929788
URL: www.piler.org.pk

Campaign on Demilitarization, Democratization and Social Justice

South Asia Regional Convergence 2014
Kathmandu, Nepal (26-27 March 2014)

Venue: Hotel Orchid, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal

Main Organisers: SAAPE and Its Campaign on Demilitarization, Democratization and Social Justice (led by Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research - PILER, Pakistan; Co-organiser: Human Rights Alliance, Nepal)

Programme (Draft)

Day 1: 26 March 2014

Inaugural Session

08:30 Registration and Breakfast All participants

09:30 – 12:00 Inaugural Session
Chief Guest: Mr. Bam Dev Gautam (TBC), Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal
Chairing of the Inaugural Session: Mr. Ganesh BK, President, Human Rights Alliance
Guests in the Dias
Mr. Karamat Ali (Pakistan)
Mr. Jatin Desai (India)
Ms. Zubeida Parveen, Advocate (Bangladesh)
Mr. Sathiwale Balakrishnan (Sri Lanka)
Mr. Arjun Karki (Nepal)
Welcome and Programme Highlight Mr. Netra Timsina

Inauguration of the Conference Chief Guest by Lighting a Lamp
Introduction to SAAPE and Its Mission Mr. Arjun Karki
Introduction to Campaign Mr. Karamat Ali
Key Note Speeches Mr. M. Tahseen (Pakistan)
Mr. Jatin Desai (India)
Inaugural Speech Chief Guest
Closing of Opening Session with Vote of Thanks: Mr. Ganesh BK

13:00 Lunch Break

MC by Padma Prasad Khatiwada

14:00 Panel Session

Main Theme: Denouncing Militerisation and Promoting Peace in South Asia

Chair (Rajan Bhattarai, Nepal)
Country Reports on situation of militarisation
Mr. Kumar Sundaram India
Mr. Shujauddin Qureshi Pakistan
Mr. Shobhakar Budhathoki Nepal
Ms. Zubeida Parveen, Advocate Bangladesh
Mr. Sathiwale Balakrishnan Sri Lanka

16:00 Open discussion All participants

17:00 End of Day One

Day 2: 27 March 2014

08:30 Breakfast All participants

09.00 Group Work

Group 1 Demilitarization/Nuclearization
Group 2 Status of Democracy/People’s Voice
Group 3 Livelihood issues/Social Security for All

10:30 Group Presentations

11:30 Tea Break

12.00 Future Strategy (to be facilitated by Karamat Ali)

13:00 Closing Session
Closing with Declaration/Resolutions (to be drafted by Rapporteurs in close coordination by Shuja and Padma)

13:30 Lunch