Zafar Iqbal

Zafar Iqbal was involved in the early stages of establishing and building relationships for World NGO Day in Pakistan. Thanks to his active role, World NGO Day has become an important and significant awareness day in the country, now bringing together thousands of NGO leaders and supporters-from the corporate sector to government institutions. Each year, World NGO Day is marked by high-profile events across Pakistan, including conferences, exhibitions, fairs, awards, panel discussions, and more, held in various cities.

Mr. Zafar Iqbal is a distinguished social entrepreneur and development leader from Pakistan, serving as the Founder and Chairman of The NGO World Foundation. With professional experience in the humanitarian and development sector since 2002, he has dedicated more than two decades to advancing sustainable and inclusive social change.

In 2009, he founded The NGO World as a pioneering social media networking platform to connect and strengthen collaboration among civil society organizations. Over time, it has evolved into a dynamic platform for partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and resource mobilization within the nonprofit sector.

Zafar Iqbal has introduced several impactful innovations, including the Social Work Encouragement, Recognition and Appreciation Award, ZEST Education Projects for out-of-school children, and Barkat for Sustainable Livelihoods, each addressing critical gaps in social development. His initiatives have contributed to expanding access to education, promoting community resilience, and enhancing livelihood opportunities.

His achievements include recognition by government institutions and international stakeholders for his contributions to education and social development, as well as active participation in policy dialogue and sectoral collaboration.

He has also contributed to global advocacy through his association with World NGO Day. Since 2014, he has connected hundreds of NGOs and organized programs focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other key development themes on the occasion of World NGO Day in Pakistan, promoting civil society engagement at both national and global levels. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the first honorary medal by the Secretariat of the global World NGO Day initiative. Through his leadership, he continues to advance collaborative frameworks for sustainable and inclusive development.