HRD Network - HRDN

30/09/2026

HRDN and RDF Sign MoU to Strengthen Collaboration for Development

On September 29, 2026, the Human Resource Development Network (HRDN) and the Rural Development Foundation (RDF) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IRM Complex, marking the start of a strategic partnership aimed at complementing and strengthening each other's work.

The MoU was signed by Ms. Robeela Bangash, CEO HRDN, and Brig. Aslam Khan (Retd.) on behalf of RDF. Mr. Muhammad Ibraheem, Director Projects, RDF, and Ms. Asma Ejaz, Director Programmes, HRDN, witnessed the signing.

Through this partnership, HRDN and RDF will bring together their respective strengths, expertise and networks to pursue joint initiatives, share knowledge and expand the reach and impact of their efforts. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to working together for meaningful, sustainable change.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Malik Fateh Khan, CEO GBTI and HRDN Life Time Member, and Dr. Mohsin Ejaz Chaudhry from PYPC, whose presence added great value to the occasion.

HRDN looks forward to a productive collaboration with RDF and to turning this partnership into tangible results.

25/09/2026

Colombo from Above | A City of Heritage, Enterprise & Craftsmanship

On 16 September 2026, participants of the 25th ATR Sri Lanka 2026 enjoyed a panoramic view of Colombo, taking in its evolving skyline and some of the city’s prominent landmarks, including the Pagoda, the historic Clock Tower and the Parliament complex.

The view offered a fascinating glimpse of Colombo as a city where heritage, public institutions, commerce and modern development come together.

The city experience continued with visits to two renowned Sri Lankan porcelain brands, Dankotuwa Porcelain and Noritake Lanka Porcelain. Participants had the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s celebrated porcelain craftsmanship and gain insight into the country’s manufacturing, design and export-oriented industry.

From the skyline to the factory floor, the experience offered a broader perspective on Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, industrial capability and economic landscape.

25/09/2026

The Red Mosque | Colombo’s Iconic Architectural Landmark

On 16 September 2026, participants of the 25th ATR Sri Lanka 2026 visited the spectacular Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, popularly known as the Red Mosque, in the historic Pettah district of Colombo.

Built between 1908 and 1909, the mosque was commissioned by Colombo’s Indian Muslim trading community as a place of worship and became an important landmark in the city’s historic commercial quarter.

What makes the Red Mosque extraordinary is its distinctive Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending Indo-Islamic influences with Gothic Revival and Neo-Classical elements. Its striking red-and-white striped façade, ornate towers and pomegranate-inspired domes create an architectural identity unlike any other landmark in Colombo.

For generations, its towers have risen above the busy streets of Pettah, linking faith, commerce, migration and Colombo’s multicultural heritage. The visit offered the ATR participants a glimpse into how architecture can preserve the story of a city and the communities that helped shape it.

25/09/2026

Colombo from Above | Where Sri Lanka’s Past Meets Its Modern Skyline

On 16 September 2026, participants of the 25th ATR Sri Lanka 2026 experienced Colombo from a remarkable vantage point at the iconic Lotus Tower, one of the city’s most distinctive modern landmarks.

Rising high above Colombo, the Lotus Tower offered participants a spectacular aerial view of the city, revealing its changing skyline, bustling urban landscape and the coastline beyond. From above, Colombo appeared as a fascinating meeting point of the old and the new, a city shaped by centuries of trade, diverse cultures and successive Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, while steadily transforming into a modern South Asian metropolis.

The experience went beyond the panoramic view. Participants also watched an informative documentary tracing the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, offering valuable insights into the island’s ancient kingdoms, cultural traditions and historical journey. Sri Lanka’s heritage stretches back more than 3,000 years, with ancient centres such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa standing as reminders of the country’s remarkable civilisations, architecture and achievements.

Standing above Colombo while learning about the civilisation and history beneath it created a meaningful contrast: a country deeply rooted in its past, yet confidently looking towards its future.

For the participants of the 25th ATR, the Lotus Tower visit became more than a city excursion. It was an opportunity to see, learn, reflect and experience Sri Lanka from a different perspective, combining cultural discovery with unforgettable moments shared together.

24/09/2026

Gangaramaya Temple: Where Sri Lanka’s Heritage Comes Alive
September 16th 2026

The first encounter with Sri Lanka’s cultural soul began at Gangaramaya Temple. On 16 September 2026, the Pakistan delegation visited this remarkable landmark in the heart of Colombo, setting the tone for a journey of cultural discovery, learning and people-to-people connection.

Situated beside the tranquil Beira Lake, Gangaramaya is far more than a place of worship. Founded in the late 19th century by the renowned Buddhist scholar monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, it grew from a modest shrine into one of Colombo’s most significant centres of Buddhist learning, cultural preservation and community service.

What makes Gangaramaya extraordinary is its striking fusion of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese artistic traditions. Its complex houses sacred relics, Buddha statues, ancient coins, manuscripts, artwork and other historical artefacts, with a museum and library offering a fascinating window into Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural evolution.

15/09/2026

HRDN Heads to Sri Lanka!

We are all set to depart for Sri Lanka on 15 September for an exciting learning and exposure experience 25th ATR.

Looking forward to meaningful engagements, new connections, shared learning and wonderful memories with our HRDN family.

Sri Lanka, here we come!

10/09/2026

Plant for Pakistan | Monsoon Plantation Drive 2026

HRDN, in collaboration with the Punjab Forest Department, organised a monsoon plantation drive on 8 September 2026 at Takht-e-Pari, DHA Phase III, Rawalpindi, with the support of IRM, CAF and IRM International.

The drive brought together the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCFs), HRDN and partner organisations for a shared commitment to a greener and more resilient Pakistan.

Their participation and testimonials reinforced a simple message: every tree planted today is an investment in tomorrow.

Plant. Protect. Restore.

09/09/2026

Monsoon Plantation Drive | Plant for Pakistan

As part of Plant for Pakistan, HRDN organized a Monsoon Plantation Drive on September 8, 2026, at Takht-e-Pari, DHA Phase III, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the Punjab Forest Department, with the support of IRM, CAF and IRM International.

The drive brought together HRDN’s organizational and professional members, led by HRDN CEO Ms. Robeela Bangash, alongside senior representatives of the Punjab Forest Department:

• Mr. Iftikhar ul Hassan Farooqi, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Northern Zone, Rawalpindi
• Mr. Raja Javaid, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), South Division
• Ms. Kanize Fatima, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF-HQ), Rawalpindi Zone

Beyond planting trees, the activity provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on strengthening collaboration between HRDN and the Forest Department.

The Forest Department highlighted the need for social mobilization and community engagement in forestry and expressed interest in collaborating with HRDN to strengthen the human resource capacity of its field staff, particularly in social mobilization, community outreach and related skills. A structured training and capacity-building session was discussed to support more sustained and community-driven forest development.

The discussion also focused on the importance of forests and plantation, the need to consider new and more marketable plant species, and the growing impacts of climate change, including its particular implications for women and vulnerable communities.

Planting a tree is an action. Building community ownership is what makes it sustainable.

HRDN remains committed to connecting people, institutions and communities for a greener, more resilient and sustainable Pakistan.

06/09/2026

31/08/2026

August 31st, 2026
HRDN Strengthens Strategic Partnership with GSCWU Bahawalpur

HRDN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur (GSCWU) to collaborate on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, green economy, community development and internationally funded programmes.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Shazia Anjum, Vice Chancellor, GSCWU, and Ms. Robeela Bangash, CEO, Human Resource Development Network (HRDN), with Mr. Mohammad Siddiq, Climate Change Expert & CEO, Creeco (Pvt.) Ltd., representing the technical partnership.

The collaboration brings together:
🎓 GSCWU | Academic & Research Partner
🔧 Creeco | Technical Partner
🌱 HRDN | Development Partner

The partnership aims to connect research, technology and community development to advance practical and sustainable solutions, particularly for climate-vulnerable communities and landscapes, including Cholistan.

Also present on the occasion were Prof. Dr Uzma Maqbool, GSCWU; Mr. Nadir Mumtaz, CEO, BluEconomy (Services) PVT Limited; and Hafiz Munawar Iqbal, ASC, Eastern Law Firm.

A meaningful step towards turning knowledge and innovation into development impact.