Graduate / Green finance and economy - ERASMUS PERSONAL STATEMENT [2]

I was born and bred in the quiet valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan where I was surrounded by rural artisans whose talents often remained hidden from the world. Among them was my mother who poured her heart into her home-based craftsmanship business, yet her talent usually went unnoticed and remained unscalable. She constantly faced obstacles far beyond her control. She did not have access to the latest market trends, technological advancements, or support networks that could have helped her navigate those turbulent waters. This isolation left her vulnerable to the unpredictability and forces of the business world.
Much like my mother's business, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from Pakistan share the same story. SMEs contribute 40% to Pakistan's GDP and employing 78% of the non-agricultural workforce is critical to Pakistan's economy. However, their growth is restricted by unsustainable production practices. What is more alarming, these businesses are largely unaware of the growing global demand for sustainable products. According to the Business Research Insights report, the sustainable products market is valued at $353 billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach $643 billion by 2032 with a growth CAGR of 8%. While some are aware of this shift, the extra costs associated with sustainable production make it nearly impossible for them to transition. This stagnation risks not only losing their place in the market but also harming the environment.

"Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative." This need for change led me to take action. As part of my final year project in 2023, I co-founded Dastkaar to address these challenges. Dastkaar was established to empower artisans in Pakistan by connecting them with urban markets and promoting environmentally sustainable products. Our mission was to address systemic issues like market connectivity, environmental sustainability, and supply chain inefficiencies while empowering local artisans through sustainable livelihoods. Ihsan, one of our artisans, recycles wood to create unique fragrances. At our university project exhibition, we sold more than 2000 units of his products, which shows the great potential of sustainable, small-scale businesses. Dastkaar made me realize that market access and products are only pieces of a larger puzzle; businesses must also align with global sustainability standards to remain competitive and relevant.
This urgent need for intervention draws me to the GLOCAL program. To me, GLOCAL represents a pathway to connect the rich potential of local businesses with the dynamic demands of a globalized economy. It is exactly the kind of expertise I need to bridge the gap between vulnerable enterprises and the ever-evolving global market. The GLOCAL program is the ideal platform to bring together everything I have learned and everything I aspire to achieve. This program will help me explore how new and innovative tools such as green finance and sustainable entrepreneurship can be used for development. I want to be part of a global community where the future is one and local and global progress is hand in hand.
My chosen Track G - Sustainability: Institutions and Management - focuses on the intersection of key areas like sustainability, globalization, financial and economic institutions, and entrepreneurship. I believe that to develop a sustainable and resilient business and financial infrastructure for businesses, it is important to understand the foundational concepts in all these domains. My background in business administration and past experiences also position me well for this track. Courses such as "Management of Circular Economy", and "Sustainability of Financial Markets in the Modern Era" will complement my previous coursework in management, finance, and economics, helping me analyze complex business dynamics. Another reason for choosing this track is the opportunity to engage with the work of Professor Ximena Rueda Fajardo at Universidad de Los Andes. Her expertise in eco-labeling and sustainability aligns with my interest in exploring innovative solutions for SMEs to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.
For my master's thesis, I am interested in exploring the role of green finance in facilitating the adoption of circular economy practices by SMEs in developing economies. A previous study by Accenture estimated that circular economy could generate $4.5 trillion in additional economic output in the next 5 years. Specifically, I would like to investigate how financial institutions can deploy innovative financial instruments like green bonds to support this transition.
I have always challenged myself to think beyond conventional boundaries. This mindset led me to Japan on a fully funded exchange program where I immersed myself in a culture that values sustainability and innovation. I was deeply inspired by how Japan balances industrial growth with environmental responsibility. The way Japan integrates circular economy principles into its business models and local communities inspired me to explore similar solutions that could be applied in my home country. Upon returning to Pakistan and joining the university, I became determined to explore how sustainable practices could be implemented within my community.
At university, I took on leadership roles to challenge the status quo and implement change on a local level. As President of the NUST Changemakers Club, I worked on campus-wide campaigns to reduce waste and implement resource-efficient practices. I successfully led a campaign advocating for a plastic ban within university premises despite strong resistance from the shop owners. I also led two tree plantation drives that resulted in the planting of over 1,000 saplings.
My contribution to sustainable development goals received global recognition when I was selected for the fully funded UNLEASH Innovation Lab in Rwanda. There, I collaborated with peers from Africa and Europe to develop ideas for engaging youth in sustainable businesses. My work in sustainable development so far has focused mostly on a community level, yet even these steps had a significant impact in a resource-limited country like Pakistan. This is precisely why I want to pursue GLOCAL-to enhance my ability to make a broader, macro-level impact and drive meaningful change on a larger scale.
My internships have provided me with a robust understanding of how policy, economics, and business intersect. My first internship with the Ministry of Finance in the Economic Advisory Wing exposed me to the dynamic environment of public policy and economic strategy. Collaborating with senior economists, I observed the inside process of formulating strategies and policies that balance economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and societal needs at the highest level of governance. Another of my internship experiences was with a consultancy Tabadlab. I worked on a research project about green finance in Pakistan. I realized the need and potential of financing to support climate action while improving business profitability. I analyzed how investments in solar could reduce up to 30% of Pakistan's heavy reliance on oil and lower energy costs by up to 50%. Together, these internships are central to the GLOCAL program's interdisciplinary curriculum and make me uniquely prepared for the GLOCAL program.
As I look ahead, I am convinced that the future of businesses lies in the harmonious integration of profitability and sustainability. My ambition is to lead initiatives as an ESG Manager in multinational organizations shaping policies and strategies. Ultimately, my goal is to empower organizations to integrate sustainability into their business and financial models and to ensure that every business decision contributes to both economic success and the well-being of our planet.

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