Celebrating new Chevening Scholars

Last night, I hosted the lion’s share of the 73 Chevening Scholars heading from Pakistan to the UK this autumn to study Masters Degrees at some of the UK’s top universities. I took the opportunity to say a few words:

Thank you for joining me here at the British High Commission. I am delighted to welcome you. Congratulations on being selected as a Chevening Scholar. That says a lot about what you have already achieved in Pakistan. And what we think you will go on to achieve for your country.

Before I talk about Chevening, I would like to say a few words about the future of Pakistan. One of the things you do before coming to a country as a diplomat is to read the key books about the political affairs of that country. This is not my first posting, so I have a relatively impressive collection of books about the different countries I have had the pleasure to serve in. Pakistan is no exception. Nevertheless, there is a theme to the titles: you do not need to be an exalted Chevening Scholar to pick this up.

Here is the top five:

1. Pakistan: A Hard Country;
2. Pakistan on the brink;
3. The Pakistan Conspiracy;
4. the Eye of the Storm;
5. Descent Into Chaos.

In case you haven’t noticed, the books about Pakistan have pretty depressing titles. Just to confuse the international book buying public, I am thinking of writing a book called “Pakistan: a lovely place in which to live”.

Those who saw my comment piece a couple of weeks ago will know that I actually do think Pakistan is making progress – and those who write book titles are getting it wrong. One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is watching the change in perception of people visiting Pakistan from overseas: they come with preconceived, often negative ideas, and leave with a different impression: of a beautiful country with a generous and hospitable people.

Yes, there are still challenges. But I believe Pakistan has huge potential. I believe it can become an economic powerhouse. By investing in education, infrastructure and its people to make the best use of their talents and Pakistan’s location. Given continued reports of violence, it is easy to forget the bigger picture: Pakistan is in a much better place than it was a few years ago, and has a perhaps once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the country to the kind of Pakistan its people want.

With this in mind, we in the British High Commission are starting a conversation here about the kind of Pakistan its people want to see in 2047. That is 100 years from the birth of this great nation. It is when the young people of today will be leading Pakistan. It is when you, the Chevening scholars of this year, will have had your opportunity to shape the country to make it better and more prosperous.

I could think of no better place to launch this initiative than here. In front of me are some of the best minds and biggest hopes that Pakistan has. In the coming decade, you will all have the chance to shape Pakistan. We want to do everything we can to support you.

We are mainly here today to talk about our Chevening Scholars. The scholarship is highly competitive and is designed to identify and support the next generation of leaders from across the globe; and to build a network of professionals who will work together, not just in the UK during their studies, but also after they return. I do not think I am exaggerating when I say that there is a very real chance that one of the people in this room will be Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2047.

Chevening is of course not all about your studies. We also hope that you will make the most of your time in the UK. Wherever you are studying, you will experience a dynamic, vibrant and multicultural society that will provide a warm welcome. Make sure you take advantage of all that the UK has to offer.

You should all be extremely proud of being selected for a Chevening Scholarship. We welcome you to the Chevening family, which already has over 1300 scholars across Pakistan.

Chevening continues to innovate. This year, in addition to the one year Masters Programme, we are also offering a Fellowship programme – the South Asia Journalism Programme – for Pakistani journalists. This is now open to receive applications until 4 September.

Last year, the British High Commission in partnership with alumni launched the Chevening Alumni Association of Pakistan. Through alumni-led events, workshops and seminars, the network is identifying solutions to the social, economic and development challenges facing Pakistan. You have already heard from the chairman of the Alumni Association today, and there are several other successful Alumni here.

We are proud of our Chevening alumni and the important contribution they are already making towards Pakistan’s development. Of course, the Chevening Programme brings immediate benefits for individual scholars – in terms of future career prospects and development. But it also delivers long-term benefits for both Pakistan and the UK. The creation of the alumni-led association offers a platform for our alumni – whatever field they have chosen to pursue – to share their ideas on strengthening Pakistan, and working together for the good of the country.

Once you have been selected for a Chevening Scholarship, you can become part of the Chevening Alumni Association of Pakistan. Please do take up this opportunity.

To help support and nurture the conversation of our alumni, and to keep you all informed, we are also launching a twitter account for our Chevening alumni. I am launching the account today, so do please follow and engage with @CAA_Pak.

Finally, before you all start tweeting, you should be in no doubt about the importance of Pakistan to the United Kingdom, and our confidence in the future of the country. Pakistan remains one of the top priority countries for Chevening awards. This year we have seen the biggest increase in the number of Chevening Scholars of anywhere in the world – Pakistan now ties with China for the most scholars. We have seen an increase of over 400% from 17 scholars in 2014 to 73 scholars in 2015/16. This is an incredible achievement – and shows the importance the UK puts on its relationship with Pakistan.

Congratulations again, good luck with your studies and do stay in touch with us, your friends in the British High Commission, in the coming years.