Empowering Pakistani Youth for Sustainable Leadership
Nadia Nawaz
The British Council Pakistan and Education Above All have
joined forces to launch a transformative initiative known as the 'Pakistan
Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI).' This three-year program, unveiled at the
11th WISE Summit in Doha, Qatar, aims to impact 290,000 young individuals in
Pakistan, fostering awareness of social and ethical values. The ultimate goal
is to empower them to influence sustainable development agendas on climate
action at the local, national, and global levels.
Fostering Values for Sustainable Development
The PYLI emphasizes the significance of enhancing youth
education quality as a cornerstone for building a robust foundation and
contributing to the creation of a more prosperous and eco-friendly society.
Coordinated by the Pakistan British Council, this initiative, co-funded by
Education Above All Foundation’s program “Reach Out to Asia” (ROTA), operates
under the umbrella of the “Global Citizenship Education for Climate Action”
(GCED) initiative. Collaborating with the government's Youth Development
Programme, UNDP Pakistan, local CSOs, and public universities, PYLI aims to
make a lasting impact on the youth of Pakistan.
"Our partners in Pakistan for the project include the
government of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Youth Programme and Higher Education
Commission. Other partners include UNDP, WaterAid, Viamo and ISD UK,"
states the press release issued by the British Council. The PYLI not only
focuses on education but also encompasses a broader perspective of social
development, engaging diverse stakeholders in its mission.
Multifaceted Collaboration for Youth Development
The signing ceremony was accompanied by a panel discussion
addressing the concerns of Pakistani youth, the opportunities presented by the
Pakistani government and EAA, and the role of artificial intelligence in
realizing these opportunities. The partnership includes key players such as the
government of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Youth Programme, Higher Education
Commission, UNDP, WaterAid, Viamo, and ISD UK. This collaboration underscores
the collective commitment to creating a positive and sustainable impact on the
youth of Pakistan.
Expressing his enthusiasm, James Hampson, Country Director of
British Council Pakistan, said, “The Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative will
help young people shape their future as leaders of tomorrow in the face of
today’s climate crisis." Abdullah Al Abdulla, Reach Out to Asia Executive
Director, emphasized that the innovative project will enhance the capacity of
Pakistani youth to take inclusive climate actions in their communities.
Global Impact Through Local Initiatives
Professor Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, Executive Director, Higher
Education Commission Pakistan, highlighted the establishment of Green Youth
Movement clubs in 137 universities. He stated, "Climate issues extend
beyond Pakistan, affecting the entire world. We are actively engaging the youth
through various initiatives, with the British Council collaborating on these
efforts." The collaborative efforts of all partners aim to create a ripple
effect, fostering responsible leadership among the youth for a sustainable
future.
