Zara Basharat Higgs Head of Public Policy Program Pakistan TikTok | expo | TikTok | pak exclusive tv

Introduction

In a recent presentation, Zara Basharat Higgs, Head of the Public Policy Program at TikTok Pakistan, outlined the platform's initiatives in addressing critical social issues through its public policy programs. The program engages with civil society, nonprofits, academia, and government entities to tackle urgent regional concerns ranging from climate change and financial literacy to digital safety, access to education, and addressing misinformation.

Approach to Public Policy Programs

Higgs emphasized a three-pronged approach:

1. Partnerships: TikTok acknowledges its role as a platform capable of reaching millions, yet recognizes it is not a subject matter expert. Therefore, it collaborates with regional civil society partners to create relevant, impactful, and sustainable programs.

2. Long-term Interventions: Given the complexity of issues such as climate change and education, TikTok's public policy initiatives are designed to be multi-year projects that ensure long-term effectiveness.

3. Humility and Reevaluation: The team approaches policy programs with humility and the understanding that interventions must continually adapt. They are committed to refining their programs based on feedback and changing requirements.

Programs in Pakistan

Higgs discussed several successful programs launched in Pakistan:

• Exam Ready: In collaboration with the Lahore University of Management Sciences and the education platform Atasa, TikTok produced approximately 500 educational videos covering subjects like chemistry, physics, and mathematics. This initiative led to over 550,000 user-generated videos sharing exam preparation tips. The program will provide 40,000 scholarships to students, offering access to private tuition and tutorials. Based on student feedback, the program is expanding to include additional subjects.

• Youth Loan Program: TikTok partnered with the Prime Minister's Youth Loan Program to address the lack of awareness and complex application processes associated with government loans for students. The program aims to facilitate more female students applying for loans, with plans for broader employability initiatives in the future.

• Digital Hiet: In partnership with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Zind Trust, this initiative has trained around 160,000 parents, teachers, and students in digital safety across 40 schools, with a goal of reaching 100 schools by 2025. The program now includes parents and guardians in discussions about digital safety, highlighting the importance of community involvement.

• TikTok for Peace: After successfully launching similar programs in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, TikTok introduced TikTok for Peace in Pakistan. The aim is to engage young people in discussions about building social cohesion and expressing viewpoints respectfully, especially during election seasons.

Higgs highlighted Pakistan as a vital market for TikTok's public policy strategies, aiming to broaden and enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with audiences, encouraging further discussions about collaborations with young people passionate about these causes.

Keywords

• Public Policy Programs
• TikTok
• Zara Basharat Higgs
• Pakistan
• Civil Society
• Long-term Interventions
• Digital Safety
• Exam Ready Program
• Youth Loan Program
• Scholarships
• TikTok for Peace

FAQ

Q: What is the main goal of TikTok's Public Policy Program in Pakistan?
A: The primary goal is to collaborate with various stakeholders to address pressing issues, such as education, digital safety, and misinformation, through impactful and sustainable interventions.

Q: What types of partnerships does TikTok engage in for these programs?
A: TikTok partners with civil society organizations, academic institutions, nonprofits, and government bodies to design and implement its public policy programs.

Q: Can you tell me about the Exam Ready program?
A: The Exam Ready program provides educational video resources aimed at helping students with subjects like chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It includes scholarships for access to private educational platforms.

Q: How does TikTok address digital safety in schools?
A: The Digital Hiet program trains parents, teachers, and students to promote awareness and best practices in digital safety across educational institutions.

Q: What is the TikTok for Peace initiative?
A: TikTok for Peace is aimed at fostering conversations among young people about cohesion and respectful expression of viewpoints, particularly in the context of political discussions during election periods.