The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 had an unprecedented impact on healthcare systems worldwide, leaving frontline workers struggling to keep up with the overwhelming demands of the situation. However, amidst the chaos, one young entrepreneur from Pakistan, Bilal Bin Saqib, saw an opportunity to make a difference. He created an initiative that delivered hot, fresh meals to frontline workers, the homeless, and people in need during the lockdown.
Saqib’s initiative, One Million Meals, was a remarkable success, operating in over 200 locations through 47 hospitals, trusts, and food banks. It received an outpouring of support from sporting stars such as David Beckham and Amir Khan, while local companies donated food and healthy drinks. The campaign was boosted by hundreds of volunteers who helped with communications and deliveries, making it an enormous success.
For his outstanding humanitarian services during COVID-19 in the UK, Saqib was awarded the prestigious MBE. The award recognized his initiative, One Million Meals, which revolutionized fundraising by creating the first-ever non-fungible tokens (NFTs) tied to real-world humanitarian goods. This innovation allowed people to purchase NFTs, which represented a meal, and the proceeds went towards the initiative.
Saqib’s passion for humanitarian work started when he was just a teenager. Along with two other Pakistanis, he started an initiative that delivered meals to the homeless in his home country. This initiative inspired him to create One Million Meals in the UK, which was an even bigger success.
Saqib’s work in the humanitarian sector has garnered widespread recognition, and he is a Forbes 30 Under 30 member. He was also included in the Pakistani Foreign Minister’s Honours List in 2021 for his outstanding service to the community in the UK.
Saqib’s work has not only helped people in need during the pandemic, but it has also revolutionized the way people can contribute to humanitarian work. By creating NFTs tied to real-world goods, he has made it easier for people to donate and see the impact of their contributions.
Currently, Saqib is working on blockchain technology adoption and education in Pakistan. He is the founder of Tayaba, a non-governmental organization working to ease access to water in deprived communities. He is an alumnus of the London School of Economics (LSE) with a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Saqib recognizes the potential of blockchain technology to make a difference in the lives of people living in deprived communities. By easing access to water, he is making a significant impact on the lives of people who struggle every day to get access to basic necessities.
Bilal Bin Saqib is a young entrepreneur who is making a profound difference in the world, and his work should be celebrated and supported. His passion for making a difference led him to create initiatives that have helped people in need during the pandemic. His innovation in fundraising through NFTs tied to real-world goods has revolutionized the way people can contribute to humanitarian work. His work in blockchain technology adoption and education in Pakistan is also essential.
Saqib’s dedication to making the world a better place is an inspiration to all. His work has shown that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. We can all learn from his example and work towards creating a better future for ourselves and those around us. Bilal Bin Saqib is a trailblazer in the humanitarian sector, and his impact will undoubtedly continue to be felt for years to come.
