First Meeting of Taskforce for National Adolescent and Youth Policy Held
12 December 2024 | Reporter: Watts News | Posted by: The largest English Digital News Network
The inaugural meeting of the Taskforce for the National Adolescent and Youth Policy was successfully held today, chaired by Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from various ministries, development partners, and youth organizations to deliberate on creating an inclusive, employment-driven policy for the youth of Pakistan.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Law and Justice, along with provincial representatives. Development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), British Council, and UNICEF, were also present, as were private sector youth organizations committed to the welfare and empowerment of the younger population.
Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan opened the meeting by stressing the importance of a cohesive approach to youth policy, emphasizing the need for youth empowerment through inclusive policies that drive employment opportunities and skill development. He highlighted that Pakistan’s youth, with their potential and creativity, are a significant asset for the country’s progress, and their concerns must be at the center of national planning.
The Taskforce discussed the vital need for a youth policy that addresses education, vocational training, mental health, and employment, with a special focus on marginalized groups, including young women and those from rural areas. There was a collective call for a policy that supports entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to quality education, all of which will contribute to a brighter future for Pakistan’s youth.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education emphasized the need for a curriculum that aligns with industry demands, while the Ministry of Science and Technology called for greater investment in research and innovation, particularly in technology and digital skills. Development partners such as the UNDP, British Council, and UNICEF voiced strong support for the policy's goals and pledged their continued collaboration.
Private sector youth organizations also contributed, offering practical insights on how to bridge the gap between youth aspirations and the opportunities available to them. They suggested partnerships with businesses to provide internships, apprenticeships, and job placements, particularly in emerging sectors such as IT, green energy, and digital services.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue consultations and working towards the formulation of a policy that will address the diverse needs of Pakistan’s youth. It was agreed that the next meeting would focus on finalizing the policy framework, with an emphasis on actionable steps that can be implemented immediately.
Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan reiterated that the task force's work is critical to the nation’s development and prosperity, and expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders would lead to a transformative policy that will empower the next generation of leaders and innovators.
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