Pakistan's Youth Combating Climate Challenges
Posted 1 year ago
Islamabad
June 7, 2024
Youth can play a significant role in overcoming climate challenges, and the imperative to engage and empower youth in shaping inclusive policies resonates powerfully. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. The recent Policy Recommendation Roundtable, a collaborative program organized by UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, Generations Unlimited, and the School of Leadership Foundation, was a pivotal platform for stakeholders to unite and define the pathway toward a more sustainable future for Pakistan. This unique program allowed Pakistani youth to scientifically think about climatic challenges and integrative remedial approaches, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
Led by Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Program, the roundtable underscored the immense potential of young people in the fight against climate change. It was a call to action, recognizing that the voices and ideas of youth are not just important but indispensable in crafting practical solutions to our planet's most pressing environmental challenges.
Mariyam Irfan, Managing Director at the School of Leadership Foundation, shared her organization's contributions to various research efforts undertaken by Pakistani youth.
Dr. Inoussa Kabore, Deputy Representative from UNICEF, emphasized the significance of such dialogues in empowering Pakistani youth. These discussions, he noted, are instrumental in equipping young individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Rabail Fatyma, a UN SDGs Advocate and Project Lead; Syed Mubashir Banoori, a Development specialist member of the National Taskforce on Life Skills-based Education (LSBE); Uzair Mahmood Khan from the School of Leadership Foundation; Rizwan Anwar, Chairman & Founder, Youth Revolution Clan, Focal Person, Prime Minister's Youth Programme, Prime Minister's Office, Islamabad Pakistan and Ms. Spogmai Shahab from the National Skills University Islamabad also attended this meeting.
Several other prominent officials attending this meeting included Mome Saleem, Program Specialist in Adolescent Development and Participation/Generation Unlimited; Rabia Masood Pasha Gillani, Programme Officer, Adolescents & Youth, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Jehangir Ashraf, Youth Economic Empowerment Officer at UNDP Pakistan; Aftab Alam, from Generation Unlimited, Program Management and Education & Skill Development. The master of the ceremony was Mr. Noman Abid, Award Winning Public Speaker.
At its core, the PRC represents a paradigm shift in climate action. It aims to harness the untapped potential of youth by addressing complex issues such as water scarcity, education disruption, mental health crises, and sustainable agriculture. By fostering a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and community engagement, the PRC empowers young researchers to become catalysts for positive change.
The policy statements emerging from research projects conducted under the PRC's umbrella showcased the creativity and vision of Pakistan's youth. Every project offered tangible solutions to pressing challenges and reflected a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues.
Dr. Rubina Ali, Assistant Representative of UNFPA, emphasized the need for innovative, community-based solutions to combat climate change. She noted that young people who have grown up in a world grappling with its consequences are uniquely positioned to offer these solutions.
According to Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad, young researchers have explored issues facing their communities through research projects spanning water management, education, health, smog, agriculture, and community resilience, offering invaluable insights for policymakers.
There was also a pivotal roundtable to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and young researchers to mark the culmination of the Policy Research Challenge. This event aimed to bridge the divide between research and policy formulation, advocating for the inclusion of young people in both spheres.
The Policy Research Challenge shows adolescents and youth's inquisitive and transformative power in shaping a sustainable world. As these young researchers continue their research efforts in the future, their contributions will inspire positive change, integrating youth perspectives into national policies to build a more equitable and resilient future for Pakistan.
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