‘Govt creating an enabling environment for youths'
He said that youth are the most valuable asset of Pakistan, and investing in their skills and entrepreneurship is the only path towards sustainable economic development. 'Today's rapidly evolving global economy demands a workforce that is adaptable, tech-savvy, and innovative. We need to align our national policies with this reality and ensure that our young population is not left behind,' he noted.
The Pakistan Youth Development Dialogue marked an inspiring celebration of World Youth Skills Day, bringing together a powerful mix of policymakers, corporate executives, non-profit leaders, and youth advocates. The core message of the conference cantered on empowering young people through digital skills, inclusive education, and climate leadership to help shape a resilient and sustainable future for Pakistan. The conference was organised by Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) on Tuesday at a local hotel.
Sheikh further highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships to build a strong foundation for youth empowerment. He appreciated initiatives like the Pakistan Youth Development Dialogue and the newly launched Pakistan Youth Development Network for offering a strategic platform where government, corporate, and civil society stakeholders can come together for collective action.
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the Pakistan Youth Development Network under the leadership of Munir Ahmed, executive director Devcom-Pakistan. With over three decades of pioneering work in development communication, climate advocacy, and youth empowerment, Munir Ahmed emphasised the need for cohesive and inclusive national platforms to connect young people with skills development opportunities and policy-level engagement.
The National Bank of Pakistan was honoured with three special awards for girls' education, engaging youth in green banking and for youth skills development for its consistent contributions to youth skills development over the years. Shoaib Qaisrani, Head of the North Region, accepted the awards on behalf of the institution.
Fatima Shuja, Stream Head Marketing Finance at Jazz Telecom, highlighted the intersection of telecom and youth inclusion. 'Through targeted initiatives and inclusive innovation, we can convert digital access into real economic opportunities — especially for women and underserved communities,' she said.
Fajer Rabia Pasha, executive director of Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education (PAGE), noted, 'Education is not just about literacy, it's about dignity and empowerment. Through collective efforts of civil society and corporate partners, we can bring transformative change to the lives of girls in marginalized communities.'
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
39 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
PM calls for 'meaningful dialogue' with India to ease tensions in talks with British envoy
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan's willingness to engage in a 'meaningful dialogue' with India on all outstanding issues, calling for diplomacy to address long-standing regional tensions, Radio Pakistan reported. In a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who called on the premier in Islamabad on Wednesday, he stressed the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to constructive engagement with its neighbours. PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-UK relations and said the recent trade talks between the two countries were expected to yield mutually beneficial opportunities while noting that Pakistan and the UK were cooperating closely at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan currently holds the monthly presidency. The prime minister also welcomed the UK government's recent decision to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to and from the UK, saying that the move would ease travel difficulties for the British Pakistani community and promote greater people-to-people exchanges. He also appreciated the high commissioner's role in facilitating the decision. Also Read: PIA plans UK flights from Aug 14 He conveyed his warm regards to King Charles III and newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adding that he looked forward to meeting the British leadership later this year. Marriott, in turn, thanked the prime minister for the meeting and briefed him on her recent visit to London, during which she held consultations on advancing bilateral cooperation. She commended the Pakistani government's economic performance over the past year and a half under the leadership of PM Shehbaz, highlighting improvements in key macroeconomic indicators. The high commissioner also shared the UK's perspectives on regional issues. Tensions between Pakistan and India deteriorated following the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April, which claimed the lives of 26 people. New Delhi hastily blamed Islamabad for the attack, despite failing to provide any evidence. Over a span of four days in May, fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery were deployed in fierce clashes. A ceasefire was eventually announced on May 10 — a development the United States claimed to have brokered, though India has publicly denied any third-party involvement.
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan, Bangladesh agree on visa-free entry for diplomatic, official passport holders
Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed on Wednesday to grant visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passports. The development came during Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's meeting today with Bangladesh's Home Minister, Lieutenant General (R) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. 'Pakistan-Bangladesh trade will soon reach $1bn mark' The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in internal security and police training. They also held discussions on increasing collaboration in counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking efforts, along with joint measures for counter-terrorism. Exchange programs for training between police academies were also discussed. UK removes Pakistan from Air Safety List The two leaders also decided to establish a joint committee to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. On Pakistan's side, Federal Secretary for Interior, Khurram Agha, will head the committee. Meanwhile, a high-level Bangladeshi delegation will soon visit the National Police Academy in Islamabad.
Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz discusses regional situation with British High Commissioner
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed on Wednesday the regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East with British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, who called on him at the Prime Minister's House. In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that the PM conveyed his warm wishes for His Majesty King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and said he looked forward to his meeting with the UK leadership later this year. 'He welcomed the UK Government's recent decision to resume PIA flights to and from the U.K., which he said would go a long way in alleviating the hardships faced by the British Pakistani community as well as enhancing people-to-people exchanges,' said the press release. The PM also appreciated the role of Marriott in this regard. While discussing Pakistan-UK relations, the PM expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and said that the recently held trade talks between the two countries would lead to mutually beneficial opportunities for both sides. 'Pakistan is cooperating closely with the UK at the UN Security Council,' the PMO quoted the premier as saying. The PM also expressed his appreciation for the UK's role in de-escalation of tensions during the Pakistan-India stand-off. PM Shehbaz reiterated that Pakistan was ready for a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, said the statement. Moreover, Marriott thanked the premier for receiving her and briefed him about her recent visit to London, where she had extensive consultations on enhancing Pakistan-UK bilateral ties. 'She lauded the government's economic performance in the last year and a half, under the vision and leadership of the Prime Minister, which had brought about a significant improvement in all key macro-economic indicators. She also shared with the Prime Minister, the UK's perspective on regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East.'
