Sonal Dhanani, Founder and CEO of Parindey Wellbeing & Development Foundation, has been honored with the Individual Award for engaging youth in peacebuilding dialogues by the Geneva Centre for Human Rights and Dialogue.
The recognition celebrates Dhanani’s work in building inclusive digital civic spaces for Pakistani youth through innovative platforms that promote civic dialogue, peacebuilding, and climate justice.
“This award represents the incredible work of thousands of young Pakistanis who are using digital platforms to participate in civic life, share their communities’ stories, and contribute to national conversations,” said Dhanani. “It’s a recognition of Pakistan’s vibrant youth who are shaping the future of digital participation.”
Through initiatives like Shehri Guftugu (Civic Dialogue Platform), the Jaari Women Peacebuilders Fellowship, and Floating Voices (Climate Memory Project), Parindey has reached over 15,000 people across Pakistan, training young leaders in digital literacy, civic engagement, and inclusive storytelling.
The Guftugu Mental Health Fellowship alone engaged 300+ students across 5 campuses, while the Jaari Fellowship trained 40 women peace leaders from 16 cities who have gone on to lead 35 community initiatives.
“Pakistani youth are not just consumers of digital content—they are creators, innovators, and change-makers,” Dhanani added. “Our work focuses on equipping them with skills to participate meaningfully in shaping their communities and country.”
The award ceremony took place in Geneva, Switzerland, where Dhanani represented Pakistan’s growing digital rights and youth development sector on an international platform.
About Parindey Wellbeing & Development Foundation:
Parindey is a Pakistani organization working at the intersection of digital rights, civic participation, mental health, peacebuilding, and climate justice. Through participatory methodologies and digital innovation, Parindey creates spaces for marginalized communities to engage in civic life and contribute to policy conversations.
