Hajra Naz
Beaconhouse’s 17th edition of SOT Events kicked off at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi. The theme for this year is “Guardians of the Future: “Shaping Tomorrow with Generative AI” sets the stage for a two-day informative conference on AI’s transformative potential.
SOT: A Legacy of Forward-Thinking Conversations
For over 24 years, SOT Events has led conversations that influence the future of society. Following last year’s focus on the transformative power of generative AI, SOT 2024 dives deeper into AI’s potential to reshape industries, redefine creativity, and challenge existing norms on ownership and responsibility.
Gathering Thought Leaders to Shape Tomorrow
SOT XVII unites thought leaders, experts, and changemakers across fields for insightful panels, workshops, debates, and keynote talks, sparking deep discussions on navigating our evolving world.
Day 1: Tackling Key Issues with AI Avatars
Social issues, health, gender, diversity, climate change, fashion, education, and cyber safety were among the many debate topics covered on Day 1. A distinctive highlight of SOT 2024 is the inclusion of AI Avatars participating as panellists, bringing a unique dimension to the conversations.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers and Engaging Sessions
The event opened with a keynote by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Other notable participants included;
- Sanam Saeed
- Mohib Mirza
- Vaneeza Ahmad
- Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy
- Nafisa Shah
- Mohsin Naveed Ranjha.
Over 100 influential speakers, including social media influencers Mooro and Faiza Saleem, and renowned journalists Wusat Ullah Khan and Amber Rahim Shamsi, are scheduled to participate.
An Interactive Science Exhibition by MagnifiScience
This year’s event also features an immersive science exhibition in partnership with MagnifiScience, providing attendees with a hands-on experience that bridges science and AI, sparking curiosity and interactive learning.
A Visionary Message from SOT Chair, Kasim Kasuri
Kasim Kasuri, Chair of SOT Events and CEO of Beaconhouse remarked: “AI is altering every aspect of our lives. At SOT, we explore how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into society, ensuring future generations inherit a world enriched by technology yet grounded in human values.”
SOT’s Global Impact and Ongoing Legacy
Launched by Beaconhouse in 2000 as a social responsibility initiative, SOT is a free public event series that has welcomed over 1,000 global thought leaders, including prime ministers, heads of state, and notable figures across various fields.
