Islamabad - A $3.7 million programme titled Pakistan Culture and Development Program, funded by Danish government, was launched on Tuesday to empower people through cultural activities and promote intercultural dialogue at national, regional and international level.                                
The two-year programme is being implemented by the Danish Centre for Culture and Development (CKU) in collaboration with national civil society organizations in four provinces, FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan regions. The programme comprises of three components included empowerment of people through active participation in art and cultural activities; enhancement of economic growth through creative industries; and promotion of intercultural dialogue and intercultural collaboration at national, regional and international levels.
The launching ceremony, which took place at the Lok Virsa, was attended by Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed and Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Jesper Moller Sorensen.  A large number of dignitaries and representatives from civil society, art and culture sector, diplomatic corps, international community, government, academic and media attended the ceremony.                               
The ceremony featured entertaining and socially representative cultural, folk, musical and theatrical performances by CKU’s partner organizations. Performances included Cholistan Story Tellers by Lok Virsa’s Raanti Group, scenes from acclaimed play “Bulleh Shah” by Ajoka Theatre and musical performance by student-teacher duo from Balochistan on Baloch folk musical instruments `Saroz’ and `Chaghaka’ by CYAAD.  Addressing the audience, Danish Ambassador in Pakistan Sorensen said, “Art and culture are important means to bridge differences, to create tolerance, and ultimately to provide opportunities for every single individual, regardless of who they are. Unfortunately, cultural space has been challenged in Pakistan in recent years. It is especially during challenging times that we must support those in society, who have the talent and desire to express themselves in innovative and creative ways.”      Ambassador Sorensen, who was wearing traditional Pakistani attire, highlighted that one part of the programme is a focus on creative industries and economic growth. “One should never underestimate the importance of creativity and innovation in the private sector.
The focus should be on creative industries goes hand-in-hand with our renewed efforts to bring more Danish businesses to Pakistan, and thus help create jobs and growth,” said the Ambassador. Pakistani art, culture and national heritage possess immense power and potential for catalyzing peaceful social transformation, sustainable development and economic growth through initiatives that empower artistic expression and enable creative entrepreneurship.
Earlier, during the ceremony, CKU Executive Director Elsebeth Krogh introduced the goals and objectives of the program. She stated that it would provide important intercultural cooperation between Denmark and Pakistan. “The aim is that the program will contribute to ongoing Danish efforts in Pakistan for poverty alleviation through stabilization and peace building and enhanced human rights and gender equality”, said Ms. Krogh.
In her welcome remarks, Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr Fouzia Saeed highlighted the role and ongoing activities of Lok Virsa for preservation and promotion of Pakistan’s art, cultural and folk heritage. Appreciating Denmark and CKU for bringing a dynamic art and culture program to Pakistan, she expressed the hope that it will provide a much needed platform and opportunity for Pakistan’s art and culture sector to thrive and play its role in the country’s progress and development.