Ms Mehak Zaraq Bari
Talk Title: From Degrees to Digital Skills AI and the New Employability Paradigm
Family & Workplace Mediator, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Educator, Human Rights Advocate Founder - MZB Conflict Management
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehak-zaraq-bari-35752a56/
Co-Founder/Partner/ Master Trainer - The ADR Initiative
Partner - SAZH Consulting LLP
Mehak Zaraq Bari – Family & Workplace Mediator | Conflict Resolution Specialist | Educator | Human Rights Advocate
I am a leader and pioneer in the field of conflict resolution and mediation in Pakistan, among the few formally trained in civil-commercial, workplace, and family mediation. With over 18 years of experience in education, human rights, and mental health support, my career reflects a unique integration of disciplines aimed at transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth and understanding.
My work extends beyond practice into leadership in capacity-building. I have trained and mentored teachers, professionals, and students in negotiation, mediation, research, and legal education. As a specialist in children’s rights in both Shariah and Western law, I bring a culturally broad perspective on justice, equity, and protection, allowing me to engage effectively across diverse communities. My mediation practice is strengthened by formal training in mental health counseling (CPCAB UK) and a Diploma in Psychotherapy. This integration of emotional well-being with conflict management allows me to address disputes holistically, especially in family mediation, where emotional and cultural complexities often run deep. I approach conflicts not merely as legal challenges but as human experiences that require empathy, clarity, and sustainable solutions.
I am the founder of The ADR Initiative and The Justice Initiative, platforms dedicated to mainstreaming mediation and promoting access to justice. My leadership has included collaborations with the World Bank, the Asia Foundation, and USAID projects through SAZH Consulting, focusing on foreign investment, dispute resolution, and policy development.
As a pioneer, I introduced IMI-accredited mediation trainings to Pakistan in 5 local languages and made it accessible with online trainings. I also strive to advance workplace and family mediation as recognized fields of practice with advocacy, awareness campaigns and helping in making institutional changes. My vision is to bridge theory with practice, empower individuals and institutions, and create trusted pathways for constructive conflict resolution.
I hold an LLM in Human Rights Law from Queen Mary University of London and continue to combine scholarship, advocacy, and practice to make mediation more accessible and impactful. Today, my focus is on family mediation, where I support families navigating sensitive disputes around relationships, parenting, and culture—always striving to foster dignity, respect, and stronger bonds.