FLI Partners Commit to Strengthen Heritage Languages
Islamabad, April 8, 2026 — The Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) brought together its partners for a one-day summit in Islamabad, where 27 representatives from 16 language communities across northern Pakistan and the federal capital gathered to review last year’s achievements and chart the course for 2026.
Leadership and Vision
The summit was chaired by Rozi Khan Burki, Chairman of FLI’s Executive Board, who emphasized that language researchers are now empowered to lead development efforts thanks to FLI’s sustained support. Fakhruddin Akhunzada, FLI’s Executive Director, welcomed participants who braved the rainy weather to ensure full participation.
Keynote and Guest Addresses
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Muhammad Kamal, Head of English at Allama Iqbal Open University and FLI board member, who highlighted the importance of strengthening multilingualism, diversity, and language preservation.
For the first time, Munawar from the Indus Cultural Forum (ICF) joined the summit, praising FLI’s role in promoting cultural diversity and pledging continued collaboration. A guest from UNESCO’s Esperanto language program also introduced participants to this artificial language, sparking dialogue on global linguistic innovation. Assistant Registrar Open University, Ms. Bibi Yasmin also graced with her presence.
Partner Presentations
In the second session, partners delivered 13 presentations showcasing progress since last year’s meeting. They shared insights on:
- Using social media to engage youth in language work
- The role of poetry in language revival
- Advocacy strategies to mobilize communities
- How local leadership can influence language preservation efforts
Outcomes and Commitments
The summit concluded with a collective pledge to:
- Work jointly on heritage language preservation
- Ensure gender-balanced approaches
- Continue sharing knowledge and strategies in the days ahead
