ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM BY GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
A JOINT EVENT HELD AT “ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM” BY GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN AND COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT, TITLED “THE YEAR OF YOUTH:CO-CREATING SOLUTIONS FOR A COMMON FUTURE
The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Pakistan commenced a side event at this year’s ECOSOC Youth Forum. Titled”, The Year of Youth: Co-Creating Solutions for a Common Future”, the event aims to promote the Commonwealth Agenda 2030 and highlight Pakistan’s commitment to empowering its youth. During the three days UN ECOSOC Youth Forum event, from 25th-27th April, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in collaboration with Commonwealth Secretariat and supply of Pakistan permanent mission to UN organised a side event on 26th April. The event called young leaders, youth led organisations, senior officials and concerned youth minister participated to discuss co-creating solutions to accelerate 2030 SDSs agenda. The Commonwealth Heads of Government have declared 2023 a year dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development. Youth empowerment is key to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and has been at the heart of the Commonwealth’s work to promote peace, democracy, and development for 50 years.
The ECOSOC Youth Forum, a platform convened annually by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), provides a unique opportunity for young people from around the world to engage in dialogues, share ideas, and contribute to the decision-making processes of the United Nations on issues related to youth development.
The side event was a joint effort by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Pakistan, underscoring the shared commitment to addressing the challenges youth face and harnessing their potential as agents of change. It will serve as a platform to exchange best practices, explore innovative solutions, and foster collaboration among Commonwealth member countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the Commonwealth Agenda 2030.
As an active member of the Commonwealth, Pakistan considers youth development a top priority. Pakistan recognizes the significance of investing in its youth to build a prosperous and inclusive future. The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme has been implemented to create opportunities for young people in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The program’s holistic approach has yielded positive results, enabling the youth of Pakistan to unleash their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress.
Prime Minister’s Youth Programme aims to empower Pakistan’s most precious asset, youth. Under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif in 2013 and now Shehbaz Sharif and SAPM Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the program has supported youth through multiple initiatives. The PM’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme promotes entrepreneurship among youth through business loans on simple terms. To develop demand-driven and employable skills among Pakistani youth the Skills Development Programme provides free courses in multiple trades. The Sports Talent Hunt and Green Youth Movement engage youth in healthy activities like sports and environmental activities respectively. Additionally, the National Innovation Award, Digital Youth Development Centers, PM’s Laptop Scheme, and the National Youth Council all involve youth in productive team activities. The National Innovation Award calls on applicants from across Pakistan to put forth their innovative ideas and get a chance to win unto PKR 2 million in funding. The Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme has distributed more than 400,000 laptops to support youth and this year they intend to distribute 100,000 laptops with special quotas reserved for women and students from Balochistan. Lastly, National Youth Council made up of bright young minds from our country who have had immense positive impacts on their societies helps promote youth development throughout Pakistan. After ten years, the nationwide impact of this programme is immensely evident.
At this event, Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated that Pakistan has a very active policy with regard to youth, including the Prime Minister Youth Program, National Youth Employment Policy, Green Youth Movement Clubs. He also expressed the hope that the Commonwealth Youth Program will promote cooperation in order to promote the SDGs and the Paris Goals. He also expressed the hope that the Year of Youth platform can advance new ways for young people, especially those living in and experiencing challenging circumstances, to be represented and articulate their views and ideas on the 2030 Agenda.
The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Pakistan are committed to facilitate a productive and engaging discussion that will result in concrete recommendations and action plans to empower young people and co-create solutions for a common future. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, this event will contribute to the global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and create a more equitable and sustainable world.
Sub Editor : Arslan M