For a long time now, Pakistan has been facing a number of chronic social, political, economic and environmental problems which have caused many challenges in the development of; education, health, poverty reduction, gender empowerment, population control and the mainstreaming of marginalized and deprived communities and groups. Degrading social and cultural values, derailed youth and disappointing performances by social and economic indicators are representative of a state of disillusionment on all fronts of development efforts undertaken so far, while natural disasters and the degradation of the environment are also emerging as some of the pressing issues that need to be addressed by means of empowering communities at a grassroots level. Unfortunately, the UNDP “Human Development Reports” for 2007 paints a bleak picture for Pakistan if things do not change soon.

Having said all this, what can a non-governmental organization like GRACE do to raise the profile of human rights issues? What we have done in the past is to design and undertake activities which lead directly to community empowerment by strengthening peoples’ voices and enhancing their capacities at a grassroots level. We at GRACE are inspired to tackle the root causes of poverty, environmental degradation, conflicts and social and economic imbalances and exclusions, by finding and providing practical solutions which, when accepted in good faith and translated into positive action, can have the highest potential for social transformation, justice and sustainable development.

As a dynamic organization, GRACE is committed to bringing a silent yet effective revolution to Pakistan at a national level, similar in effect to the one demonstrated by bringing positive change to Kawardu; one of its remotest villages. Over the past one and half decades, true to its founding ideal, GRACE has been determined to continue growing, developing, improving and expanding. This journey is a never-ending process, and we have to equip ourselves to face new trends and challenges. To achieve these interests and aspirations, which we know we share with many like-minded colleagues, we wholeheartedly encourage the participation and collaboration of all national and international communities, whether it is in the form of moral, technical or financial support.

Thank you