CHSS Fellow Sonal Dhanani Recognised at One Young World Summit 2026 in South Africa

We are delighted to share that Sonal Dhanani, a CHSS 2022–23 Research Fellow from Pakistan, has been recognised through the prestigious Pankaj Award to End Conflict at the One Young World Summit 2026, held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sonal is the Founder of Parindey Wellbeing & Development Foundation, an organisation dedicated to grassroots peacebuilding, community wellbeing, and social development. Her recognition highlights the importance of locally led initiatives in addressing conflict, empowering marginalised communities, and promoting inclusive and sustainable peace.

Established by Professor Selva Pankaj and Dr Tharshiny Pankaj, the Pankaj Award to End Conflict supports emerging peacebuilders working to address the root causes of conflict and strengthen unity within communities. The award was inspired by the founders’ experiences of displacement during Sri Lanka’s civil war.

As a CHSS Research Fellow, Sonal received support for her project, Climate Preparedness in Local Languages, which focused on documenting indigenous knowledge and promoting gender-responsive approaches to climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Her continued achievements demonstrate the diverse contributions of CHSS fellows to addressing pressing social and developmental challenges.

CHSS congratulates Sonal on this international recognition and celebrates her continued commitment to fostering positive change in Pakistan and beyond.