Locations
16 January 2020, Islamabad — Pakistan’s first National Youth-led Policy Forum, hosted by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with School of Leadership Foundation concluded today.
The National Youth-led Policy Forum consists of thirty young participants, including 15 men and 15 women, selected across Pakistan. They engaged in dialogue with the federal level policy makers, UN representatives, politicians and subject experts, to chart a path for inclusion of youth in implementation and accountability of Youth Policies. Supported by Embassy of Japan and Royal Norwegian Embassy, a series of four Provincial Youth-led Policy forums had preceded the National Youth-led policy Forum.
Mr. Ignacio Artaza, Resident Representative a.i. UNDP Pakistan stated on the occasion, “No country in the world can progress without involving youth in shaping the course of the nation. At UNDP we strongly support the space young men and women require to make a positive contribution to the development of Pakistan.”
Ms. Lina Mehmud Mousa, Country Representative UNFPA stated, “At UNFPA, we put young people – their talents, hopes, perspectives and unique needs at the very center of sustainable development." She further added, "UNFPA will continue to extend support to the Prime Minister's Kamyab Jawan - National Youth Development Programme and Provincial Youth Policies while facilitating young people, including the marginalized population to step forward and be part of the policy-making process."
Mr. Usman Dar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs stated on the occasion, “Pakistan is one of the youngest countries in the world and Youth Empowerment is a top priority for the Government of Pakistan. The launch of Kamyab Jawan Programme is a testament of that. Youth are major stakeholders in the development process of the country and youth voices will be reflected in the youth policies and programmes.”
Day one of the National Youth Dialogue comprised of innovative skill building sessions and interactive discussions, followed by a panel discussion on empowering young people through youth policy implementation. Panelists included Rohana Kakar, Secretary RTA Balochistan; Sidra Imran, Member Provincial Assembly, Sindh; Bilal Lashari, Sindh Education Foundation; Ayisha Chaudhry, Member Provincial Assembly, Punjab; Sumera Shams, Member Provincial Assembly, KP; and Muhammad Ali, Deputy Secretary Prime Minister’s Office.
Day two brought together the young participants, National Youth Council Members, and Mr. Usman Dar, special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs. It provided an opportunity for the participants to interact and devise practical solutions and strategies for effective implementation of the various existing Youth Policies including the National Youth Development Framework.
For additional information, please contact Ayesha Babar at ayesha.babar@undp.org or +92 (51) 835 5650
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