Youth: the invaluable asset of the nation

Express Tribune

18-04-2025

The writer is an educationist based in Larkana. She can be contacted at [e-mail]
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Youth is nature's rich, beautiful and vibrant tapestry, woven with the threads of dreams, emotions and boundless energy — transcending the vigour of age and the aged alike. This period of life is marked by a thirst for knowledge, willingness to experience and a drive to explore countless ways to overcome challenges.
With heightened emotional capacity, youth can rise to the heights of the Himalayas - when given the chance. Innovation and invention are deeply rooted in their minds. Competence, potential and mindfulness are among the key traits that help them adapt to changing conditions and challenge the status quo.
The mind becomes a fertile ground for learning and growth during youth. Hence, they excel in all fields. Let's take a glance at history, which highlights the successful youth who became symbols of excellence through their skills.
Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook at the age of 19, connecting the world with just a click. Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, spent his teenage years immersed in learning to code.
Other notable young achievers include Arfa Karim, who became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional in 2004. She represented Pakistan at international forums and received the prestigious Presidential Pride of Performance award in 2005. She became a symbol of pride for Pakistan by setting a world record at such a young age.
Greta Thunberg, one of the world's best-known climate change campaigners, started her activism at 15 by protesting outside the Swedish Parliament. Her powerful speech at the UN Climate Summit inspired millions. In an interview with Time magazine, she stated, "We can't just continue living as if there was no tomorrow, because there is a tomorrow."
At the age of 11, Marley Dias was frustrated that most children's books lacked cultural diversity. She launched the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign to collect and donate books that represented Black girls - and she succeeded in making a difference.
While researching youth achievements online, I came across a powerful statement: "WE CAN". History is filled with countless examples of young individuals who broke barriers with their spirit and left a legacy. Their emotional strength often earned them honorary titles and recognition.
According to a UNDP report, youth make up 64% of Pakistan's population — a surprising and valuable proportion. They are the country's greatest resource. The youth of Pakistan can excel in education, economy and social development if given access to quality education. With self-awareness and opportunity, they will prove their worth, just like the historically celebrated youth of our past.
Allama Iqbal, the great poet and philosopher, inspired youth through his poetry on khudi (selfhood), instilling belief in self-determination during the struggle for independence. He powerfully wrote: Uss qoum ko shamsheer ki haajat nahi rehti, Ho jis qoum ke jawano ki khudi soorat-e-foulad i.e. a nation whose youth are endowed with a self as strong and hard as steel needs no swords in battle.
Pakistan's independence was fueled by the courageous efforts of its youth. The All India Muslim Students Federation, established in 1937, united Muslim students with a shared vision of a separate homeland. Their passion was recognised by political leaders, who saw them as future leaders of the independence movement.
It is clear that Pakistan was achieved through the bold initiatives of youth, in particular. Today, the country faces critical challenges. Youth must once again be at the forefront. They should be given opportunities to showcase their technological and creative skills.
If the government aims to uplift the nation's economic and social conditions, it must prioritise employment generation on a large scale. Unemployment has dampened the spirit of the youth. Prioritising young leaders will pave the way for a thriving nation. The asset should not go in vain. Let's entrust the youth with responsibility of uplifting the nation because their mettle is observed in "WE CAN".