Keynote Speakers
The following national and international Early Childhood Development experts have formally confirmed their participation as speakers
International Speakers
National Speakers
Prof Junaid Rashid
Prof Junaid Rashid is a Professor of Pediatrics and serves as the Pro/Vice Chancellor of the University of Child Health Sciences. He is also The Dean of The Children's Hospital, Lahore. He is a Member of the Faculty of Pediatrics at the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan and an Executive Member of the Pakistan Pediatric Association. In addition, he is a Master Trainer in Early Childhood Development (ECD) and serves as the In-Charge of the ECD Center at The Children's Hospital, Lahore. With 32 years of clinical experience and 24 years of teaching experience, Prof Junaid Rashid has dedicated his career to pediatric healthcare, education, and the advancement of early childhood development.
Dr. Shazia Maqbool
Dr. Shazia Maqbool is a medical graduate (MBBS) with an MD in Pediatric Medicine (1995) and a Fellow of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (FRCPCH), UK (2005). She also holds certifications in Developmental Pediatrics, Child Health Surveillance, General Pediatrics, Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS), and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule II (ADOS II). She serves as the Dean of the College of Pediatrics & Child Health and the Medical Faculty & Allied Sciences at the University of Child Health Sciences & The Children's Hospital (UCHS-CH), Lahore, where she also chairs the Department of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics. Dr. Maqbool plays a key role in professional pediatric associations, serving as an Executive Member of the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA) and Chairperson of the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Expert Group at PPA.
Dr. Fatima Rahman
Dr. Fatima Rahman is a Developmental Pediatrician and Assistant Professor of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at The Children's Hospital, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore. A gold medalist, she has trained in Pakistan and Ireland, with over 13 years of clinical experience in managing children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. As a master trainer and technical expert on early childhood development for UNICEF, she has contributed significantly to pediatric care and education. She has over 20 publications and has presented at numerous national and international conferences. She also contributes to medical education as she teaches undergraduate Occupational Therapy students and postgraduate pediatric residents.
Dr. Abdul Wahab Yousafzai
Dr Abdul Wahab Yousafzai have more than 15 years of clinical experience in managing patients with various psychiatric disorders in both out- & in-patient settings. A clinician, competent in assessing and managing risk of challenging patients, handling difficult situations and dealing with patients and their families effectively by following ethical standards, demonstrating knowledge and good communication skills. He has completed his MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in 1994 and later on he completed his (FRCP) from Glasgow and currently heading the Psychiatry department of Shifa International Hospital.
Dr. Nosheen Abbas
An MBBS doctor with a Master's in Public Health and certifications in holistic and advanced nutrition from the UK. With over 18 years of experience, she brings a unique blend of medical expertise and nutritional knowledge. She is the proud founder of a health, nutrition, and fitness clinic, where she specializes in creating tailored diet plans and targeted dietary interventions to address a wide range of health challenges. As one of the top 3 nutritionists in Islamabad with a medical background, Dr Nosheen had the privilege of contributing to impactful projects which address both communicable and non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, diarrhea, typhoid/malaria, and much more. She has been actively involved in various awareness programs, including collaborations with the Government of Pakistan through NOURISHED, focusing on nutritional awareness and management. She has also delivered a nutritional manual for pre-school children, addressing nutritional deficiencies in regions like KPK, Quetta and Punjab.
Dr. Naeem Zafar
Dr. Naeem Zafar is the Founding President of PAHCHAAN (Protection and Help of Children Against Abuse and Neglect), Founding Head, Child Rights Department University of Lahore (CRD-UOL), Convener, Child Rights Committee Pakistan Pediatric Association, (CRC-PPA), Executive Council Member of International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN), Co-Chair, National Action Coordination Group for South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children, (NACG-SAIEVAC an Apex SAARC body), Convener of South Asia Group on Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (SAPCAN). He is a member BOG of Punjab Welfare Trust for the Disabled (PWTD). He is an executive member of Pakistan Pediatric Association, (PPA) and a member of several government committees and advisory councils on child rights and protection. Dr Zafar has received ISPCAN Global Award for his innovative work in 2006. He has been awarded ISPCAN Global Medal for meritorious services for the children of Pakistan by Pakistan Pediatric Association (Punjab). Dr. Zafar is also involved in research, advocacy, capacity building and awareness raising on Child Rights, Child Protection, NGO management, Child Health, Preventive Child Health, Early Childhood Development, Nutrition and Children with Special Needs.
Dr. Saba Shuja
Dr. Saba Shuja, Manager of Early Childhood Development (ECD) at UNICEF, is a medical doctor with a postgraduate degree in Public Health. With over 15 years of experience in public health and social sector development, she has expertise in program development, implementation, management, monitoring, and coordination in both development and humanitarian contexts. For the past eight years, she has been working with UNICEF as an ECD Manager. Prior to this, she collaborated with various national and international organizations on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH), HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, child labor, and nutrition. She has contributed to policy development, strategic planning, international protocols, and has facilitated training sessions on maternal and child health, immunization, health, and nutrition. She recently completed a leadership program in Social Protection.