Dear President Donald Trump,
I write to you not just as an alumna of the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program but as someone who has personally experienced the monumental impact that such programs can have, not only on individuals but on entire nations. The recent closure of the UGRAD program represents more than the cessation of an educational exchange; it symbolises the dismantling of a vital tool of diplomacy, cultural understanding, and international cooperation. For thousands of students like me, UGRAD was not a mere opportunity – it was a bridge to a future that was previously out of reach. Today, as that bridge is removed, I am compelled to ask: why?
The program had proven its value over 15 years of operation, leaving an undeniable mark on the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. The U.S. government’s foreign policy, particularly in regions like South Asia, is often guided by three key questions:
- Does it make America stronger?
- Does it make America safer?
- Does it advance American values and interests?
I can confidently say that UGRAD answered all of these questions with resounding success. In fact, it went above and beyond.
First, the program made America stronger by fostering goodwill and building lasting relationships with one of the world’s most strategically important regions. South Asia is a hotbed of geopolitics and instability, and UGRAD acted as a beacon of diplomacy, providing young, emerging leaders with a sense of the democratic ideals that underpin American society. Alumni like me have taken these ideals back to their communities, ensuring that the U.S. remains a respected and influential partner in a volatile part of the world.
Second, UGRAD made America safer by countering radicalisation. Young people are often the most vulnerable to extremist ideologies, especially in regions marked by conflict, poverty, and political instability. UGRAD gave us the tools to think critically, embrace diversity, and understand the nuances of global conflicts. It nurtured in us a commitment to peaceful dialogue, mutual respect, and tolerance, all of which are foundational in creating a safer world. These values are something that the U.S. can directly benefit from, as we, the alumni, continue to engage in global discussions, contributing to a more stable and secure international order.
Finally, UGRAD advanced American values and interests by investing in cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding. By connecting bright minds from Pakistan with American institutions, the program cultivated a generation of young people who see themselves not as isolated individuals but as part of a larger global community. The program shaped and created leaders. In my case, it inspired me to return home and work on regional peace, cross-border youth initiatives, and advocating for the rights of marginalised communities. And I am not alone.
The closure of the UGRAD-Pakistan program represents more than just the end of a scholarship; it is the closing of a chapter that has shaped many of us into leaders, innovators, and change-makers
The impact of UGRAD alumni is tangible and measurable. We are now leaders in various sectors, including education, media, civil service, entrepreneurship, healthcare, technology, policy development, and international diplomacy. Our diverse contributions across these fields have led to the development of strong institutions, the advancement of innovative solutions, and the creation of dynamic, inclusive communities. The program didn’t just help us – it helped strengthen our nations and, in doing so, strengthened the international community as a whole.
But the value of UGRAD wasn’t just in its direct impact on individual careers. It was in how it fostered deeper understanding and trust between people and nations. The program served as one of the few remaining platforms for dialogue between the U.S. and Pakistan. Its closure removes a key channel for people-to-people diplomacy at a time when it is most needed.
What happens when the opportunity for young people to study, engage, and exchange ideas is taken away? What happens to the foundation of mutual respect and trust that has been cultivated over decades? When such platforms disappear, who fills the gap? What replaces the critical, shared experiences that young leaders from both countries could have gained through this program? When we take away opportunities like UGRAD, we not only limit individual growth but we endanger the stability of a region and the international relationships that underpin peace and prosperity.
In Pakistan, as in many countries, the risk of radicalisation is an ever-growing threat. Radical ideologies have a more potent appeal when young people feel disenfranchised or disconnected from the world around them. UGRAD was a counterforce to that. It gave us exposure to American democratic values, academic rigor, and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals from around the globe. The UGRAD program created a network of young leaders committed to positive change. These leaders are actively working to challenge radicalisation, support social justice, and contribute to global peace. They are shaping the future of not just Pakistan, but the entire region, and yes, the world.
By removing this crucial tool of soft power, the U.S. risks stunting the development of this vital network. If young people like us, who have been exposed to both the challenges of our own countries and the possibilities of a more interconnected world, are not given the opportunity to grow and lead, what are we left with? What does the future of youth diplomacy look like when opportunities like UGRAD are closed?
In conclusion, the closure of the UGRAD-Pakistan program represents more than just the end of a scholarship; it is the closing of a chapter that has shaped many of us into leaders, innovators, and change-makers. The program helped us become the best version of ourselves – people who can contribute positively to society, who can build bridges between cultures, and who can make our countries stronger, safer, and more interconnected.
But I ask you, Mr. President, what will we, and the world, lose if we allow this to be the end of such programs? What becomes of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship without these human connections? What is the cost of depriving young people, both here and abroad, of the chance to learn, to lead, and to contribute to a safer, more prosperous world? How can we expect to build a future that is both secure and peaceful if we don’t invest in those who can bridge divides and bring about positive change?
I hope that you and your administration will reconsider the decision to end such a vital program. The future depends on us, the generation that believes in the power of education, cross-cultural understanding, and collaboration. Let us not be the last generation to benefit from this invaluable experience.
Sincerely,
Elsa Imdad Chandio
Global UGRAD-Pakistan Alumna (2014)