The seventeenth annual SOT event, organized by Beaconhouse, opened at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, featuring the theme “Guardians of the Future: Shaping Tomorrow with Generative AI.” This two-day conference focuses on the transformative potential of AI and its role in shaping industries, creativity, and ethical responsibility.
For the past 24 years, SOT Events has been at the forefront of conversations about society’s future. Building on last year’s focus on generative AI’s wide-reaching impacts, this year’s event dives deeper into how AI is reshaping business, art, education, and social responsibility.
SOT XVII has brought together over 100 thought leaders, experts, and innovators from diverse fields for a series of panel discussions, workshops, debates, and keynote talks aimed at exploring actionable insights and forward-thinking solutions.
Day 1 highlighted topics ranging from social issues and health to climate change, gender diversity, education, and cybersecurity. A unique aspect of this year’s event is the inclusion of AI Avatars who contribute as virtual panelists, pushing the boundaries of traditional discussions.
The event opened with an inspiring keynote by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Other notable speakers included artists Sanam Saeed, Mohib Mirza, and Vaneeza Ahmad; academics Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy and Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra; influencers Mooro and Faiza Saleem; and IT experts Dr. Basit Riaz Sheikh and Jazib Zahir. An immersive science exhibition created in collaboration with MagnifiScience offers attendees an interactive, hands-on experience with AI technologies.
Kasim Kasuri, Chair of SOT Events and CEO of Beaconhouse School System, spoke on the event’s vision: “As we face the shifts brought on by AI, our theme ‘Guardians of the Future’ calls us to become stewards—mentors, leaders, and advocates—who are guiding AI’s integration into our world. SOT is a platform where we explore how AI can enhance our lives while safeguarding human values, ensuring future generations inherit a world that is technologically advanced yet rooted in humanity.”
Launched in 2000 as part of Beaconhouse’s commitment to social responsibility, SOT is a free, public event series that has featured over 1,000 global leaders, including heads of state, government officials, and influential changemakers from the U.S., U.K., Australia, and beyond.
