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 Introduction
Raising awareness on environmental and social issues is SDPI’s main objective. We undertake advocacy, networking, and awareness raising on issues of public interest. The Institute engages in two types of advocacy. The first is reactive and focuses on issues falling within SDPI’s mandate such as human rights, religious tolerance and academic freedom. The second is based on research findings and involves lobbying by the research staff through participation in conferences and workshops, and writing in journals and newspapers. Given the dearth of advocacy in Pakistan, the purpose of SDPI’s efforts is both to support specific causes and be a role model to set a precedent in an attempt to make up for the lack of active advocacy in Pakistan.
The advocacy unit at SDPI engages in public-interest campaigns, some of which are more long-term, and others which tend to be reactionary in nature. Consistent themes include peace, environment, and women's rights. There are also a number of livelihood-related campaigns that the unit is involved in.
Much of the unit's networking is accomplished through coalitions and alliances. Some of the coalitions with which SDPI is associated are the Pakistan NGO Forum (PNF) and the Pakistan Peace Coalition (PPC).
The unit itself seeks to draw from the research conducted at SDPI and try and effect policy changes that research advocates. A substantial part of the completed research work is presented at various conferences and seminars at the national and international level. Over the years, SDPI has received favourable feedback and appreciation on many of its research presentations and articles. Furthermore, SDPI assists other research institutions on their research work through comments and advice.
Conferences
SDPI in the Press
Over the years, SDPI has established strong rapport and linkages with both the print and electronic media.
Issues
Some of the issues and events the advocacy unit has been involved in include:
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