A guest speaker session on" A model for Poverty Alleviation through Sustainable Development" was conducted on January 25, 2014 by Mr. Aasim A. Siddiqui. Mr. Siddiqui the Managing Director of the Marine Group of Companies, which is a conglomerate of multiple business concerns, being one of the leading shipping and logistics service provider in Pakistan. He is also founder trustee of Organization for Social Development Initiatives (OSDI). OSDI engaged in community related projects such as health care, education water and sanitation and renewable energy. Mr. Siddiqui holds an MBA from Clark University, USA and BSc (Hons.) from London School of Economics.

The main target audience for this session were the group of participants enrolled in Issues in Pakistan Economy. Mr. Aasim Siddiqui delivered a comprehensive presentation on the topic. He focused the need for social development and shared the details that how the OSDI played its role in reducing poverty in focus villages, develop mode for poverty alleviation and sustainable positive change. He emphasized that Livelihood Assistance Program provides resources and tools to individual families to help them increase income, savings, and assets. Community Development Program fills gaps in community's social development in areas such as education, health, drinking water, and sanitation and Food Security Program improves daily nutritional intake and provides a safety net to vulnerable families to protect them from economic shocks.

The session was greatly appreciated by the participants and faculty members.