United States Exchange Program Alumni Empower Youth through Technology

Islamabad, August 09, 2015 (PPI-OT):Minister-Counsellor for Public Affairs of the U.S. Embassy Jeffrey Sexton spoke to more than 100 alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. The group participated in the closing ceremony of the 2015 Youth Tech Camp, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and organized by the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). During the three-day camp, PUAN introduced young alumni to new technologies and helped the group to develop their skills in thinking critically about using new technology to improve their communities.

In his closing address to the alumni, Minister-Counsellor Sexton said, “Technology can make a positive impact on your communities and around the world. This year’s Youth Tech Camp was designed to provide an opportunity to learn about and engage with the digital technologies of today’s interconnected world.”

Dr. Umair Saif, Director of the Punjab Information Technology Board, also met with the alumni from across Pakistan, who participated in hands-on training with cutting-edge technology, including crisis mapping, internet applications, online citizen journalism, short-film production, and crowd funding.

The United States invests approximately $40 million annually on exchange programs for Pakistani citizens and sends more than 1,300 Pakistanis to the United States each year to participate in academic and professional exchange programs. PUAN is an alumni network of students and professional who have participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. It is one of the largest U.S. alumni networks in the world with more than 15,000 members.

PUAN regularly organizes events across Pakistan, including service projects, leadership training, roundtable discussions, and community engagement activities. To find out more about PUAN and the conference, visit: http://www.facebook.com/pakalumni.

For more information, contact:
Alberto Rodriguez
Spokesman
Information Office Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
U.S. Embassy, Islamabad- Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2082911, +92-51-2081136
Cell: +92-300-5012640
Fax: +92-51-2278607
Email: webmasterisb@state.gov