ISLAMABAD: SOT Events opened its 20th edition, titled ‘Possible Worlds’, in Islamabad on October 24, bringing together prominent voices from different fields for a day-long exchange on the future of humanity.
The theme, ‘Possible Worlds’, looks at the future as a set of possibilities shaped by choices being made today. The Islamabad gathering was the first in a three-city series, with Lahore and Karachi to follow.
The event featured eight sessions covering subjects including the future of learning and work, climate resilience, online safety, artificial intelligence, beauty, geopolitics, conflict and the arts. Despite stormy weather, audiences from Islamabad and nearby areas attended in large numbers.
One of the key sessions, ‘Who Owns Imagination?’, combined conversation and music and featured Ali Azmat alongside voices from music and the arts. Curated in collaboration with the Lahore Biennale Foundation, the session examined the effect of AI on creativity and expression. A live DJ performance added to the discussion, while the weather contributed to the charged atmosphere of the occasion.
A separate conversation featuring aestheticians and psychologists also drew considerable interest. It explored pressures linked to ideal appearance, the role of AI in shaping such standards, and the physical and psychological costs involved in pursuing them.
Another debate considered whether AI is making people less human, weighing its promise against concerns about creativity, judgement and human connection. Syed Talat Hussain moderated a discussion with Dr Moeed Yusuf, Fahd Husain and Munizae Jahangir on shifting global power and the implications of a more uncertain world.
Other sessions focused on issues affecting families and communities. ‘Growing Up Online’ discussed the shared responsibility of protecting children from digital harm, while ‘Communities on the Climate Frontline’ looked at how communities most exposed to climate shocks can strengthen resilience.
Organised by Beaconhouse Group, SOT Events has, over more than 25 years, grown into one of Pakistan’s significant platforms for open public discourse. This year, the series is being held in three cities. After Islamabad, ‘Possible Worlds’ will move to Lahore on November 28 and 29 at Faletti’s Hotel for two days of conversations, debates, performances and interactive experiences. The Karachi edition will be held on December 12 at Beach Luxury Hotel.
Speaking on this year’s theme, Chair SOT Events and CEO Beaconhouse Kasim Kasuri said, “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.”
UBL is the Lead Sponsor of SOT Events 2026 and is supporting the event series across all three cities.
