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SOT Events launched its 20th edition, Possible Worlds, in Islamabad on October 24. The event brought together voices from diverse fields for discussions on the future of humanity and the choices shaping it.
The programme explored the future as a range of possibilities influenced by decisions made today. Islamabad hosted the first of three events, with Lahore and Karachi scheduled to follow.
The Islamabad edition featured eight sessions covering the future of learning and work, climate resilience, online safety, artificial intelligence (AI), beauty, geopolitics, conflict and the arts. Despite stormy weather, audiences from Islamabad and surrounding areas attended in large numbers.
One of the highlights was Who Owns Imagination?, a session combining discussion and music. Featuring Ali Azmat and voices from the music and arts communities, it examined how AI is influencing creativity and artistic expression.
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The Lahore Biennale Foundation collaborated on the session. A live DJ performance added an interactive dimension to the discussion, while the weather contributed to the atmosphere.
Another popular session brought together aestheticians and psychologists to examine society’s expectations around physical appearance. Speakers explored AI’s role in shaping beauty standards and the physical and psychological costs of pursuing idealised looks.
A separate debate asked whether AI is making people less human. The discussion weighed the technology’s potential benefits against possible risks to creativity, judgement and human connection.
Journalist Syed Talat Hussain moderated a discussion with Dr Moeed Yusuf, Fahd Husain and Munizae Jahangir. They examined changing global power dynamics and the implications of an increasingly uncertain world.
Other sessions focused on issues affecting families and communities. Growing Up Online explored the shared responsibility of protecting children from digital harm.
Meanwhile, Communities on the Climate Frontline examined how communities most exposed to climate shocks can strengthen their resilience.
Together, the discussions highlighted the importance of public dialogue on technology, social change, global affairs and environmental challenges.
Organised by the Beaconhouse Group, SOT Events has developed over more than 25 years into a prominent Pakistani platform for public discourse.
This year, the programme is taking place in three cities. Following the Islamabad launch, Possible Worlds will move to Lahore on November 28 and 29 at Faletti’s Hotel. The two-day event will feature conversations, debates, performances and interactive experiences.
The series will then conclude in Karachi on December 12 at Beach Luxury Hotel.
Kasim Kasuri, Chair of SOT Events and CEO of Beaconhouse, said the platform continued to create space for open discussion and the exchange of ideas.
“SOT has always created space to question, challenge and exchange ideas openly. Taking Possible Worlds to three cities allows us to widen that exchange and bring more people into conversations that will ultimately affect us all.”
The 20th edition aims to expand these conversations across Pakistan, encouraging audiences to consider how today’s choices may shape the world of tomorrow.
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