Latest news with #Devcom-Pakistan
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Govt creating an enabling environment for youths'
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, in his keynote address as the chief guest at 'Pakistan Youth Development Dialogue 2025', emphasised the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for youth to thrive as contributors to national growth. 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
Express Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Innovators recognised on Environment Day
To kick off the World Environment Day celebrations, Devcom-Pakistan hosted the Pakistan Environmental Awards and Conference of Best Practices 2025 under the theme "Beyond Plastic Waste – Navigating Climate and Environmental Risks." The organisers gathered leading voices in environmental policy, science, conservation, and sustainable development. World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5 since 1973 under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is the largest global platform for environmental awareness. This year, the global celebration is being hosted by the Republic of Korea with a focus on ending plastic pollution - a major threat to climate goals, ocean health, biodiversity, and human wellbeing. Environmental Conservation Awards (Individuals) recognised the green champions, including Rina Saeed Khan, for her transformative voluntary leadership as Chairperson of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. Sana Raja, for her outstanding wildlife rescue efforts, including the rehabilitation of endangered species such as pangolins and dancing bears. Teacher Usman, for his community-driven rainwater harvesting initiative, building over 770 ponds and promoting water conservation in mosques. Muhammad Irshad Ramay, an environmental engineer who established a cleaner production centre in Pakistan, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. Riffat Ara Baig, for engaging over 5,000 students in environmental art, awareness campaigns, and cleanup drives since 1996. Silvia Shamoon, for her decade-long work in improving slum environments through tree plantation, waste segregation, and youth empowerment. Special Mentions were made for Dr Mehar Nigar for her "Saaf Muhalla Saaf Pakistan" initiative. Kashaf Akhtar for launching a startup that recycles single-use plastics into eco-friendly planters and tiles. Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) delivered an impactful speech and praised the awards initiative as a step toward recognising and motivating sustainability efforts in the country. He said: "Beating plastic pollution is not just an environmental necessity - it is a national imperative.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Experts call for environmental justice
Experts from diverse sectors, educationists and students pledged to uphold the principles of environmental justice, equity, and sustainability in their daily lives and corporate operations, and promised to support and engage in efforts that promote climate resilience, nature conservation, responsible consumption and environmental education. Their commitment included complying with national and international environmental laws, and support actions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The pledge also included recognition of indigenous knowledge and local communities' role in environmental stewardship and support for their participation and leadership in Earth care initiatives. The participants also committed to adopting the Zero Waste philosophy - to redesign resource life cycles so that all products are reused, and no trash is sent to landfills, incinerators, or the ocean, and to refuse what they don't need, and reduce what they do need, reuse or recycle what is consumed. The Earth Care Pledge for a Zero Waste Pakistan was organised by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) to mark the World Earth Day on Tuesday at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) with the support of Health Safety Environment and Quality Department of Oil & Gas Development Company and Capital Smart City. Speaking at the national launch of the Zero Waste Pakistan campaign under the Earth Care Pledge to commemorate Earth Day, the Focal Person for the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, Syeda Amna Batool, emphasised the critical role of youth in driving sustainable development and environmental stewardship. She lauded the initiative as a timely and much-needed step towards promoting waste reduction, responsible consumption and environmental awareness at the grassroots level. Highlighting the Zero Waste Pakistan campaign as a national call to action, she urged young people to take ownership of climate and environmental challenges and become champions of a cleaner, greener Pakistan. Devcom-Pakistan founder and Executive Director Munir Ahmed said, "With over 140 million young people in the country, we have the largest human capital in our history. If engaged meaningfully, youth can transform Pakistan's waste crisis into a circular economy opportunity. The Earth Care Pledge is a call for action - not just to reduce waste, but to rethink our consumption patterns altogether." He said, "Devcom-Pakistan's annual World Earth Day event focused on the launch of the Zero Waste Pakistan initiative. A Zero Waste Pakistan is not just a visionit's a necessity. Through collective action, innovation, and policy reforms, we can break free from plastic pollution and safeguard our environment for future generations. Empowering youth with the concepts of waste segregation, reuse and recycling at the source of the waste generation such as homes and institutions will lead the society to a zero waste Pakistan." The guest speakers included President Alpine Club of Pakistan Abu Zafar Sadiq, Capital Smart City General Manager Sustainability Muhammad Ali Naseer, OGDCL In-charge HSEQ Ashfaque Ali Khan, Technical Team Leader, Climate Resourcing Coordination Centre Sohail Maqbool Malik, Environmentalist Aliya Agha, FJWU assistant professor Dr Abida Sharif, Institute of Regional Studies Research Fellow and World Bank Public Sector development expert Kiran Afzal. They recommended introducing zero waste principles, environmental ethics, and sustainability practices in school, college and university curricula.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Moot to spotlight plastic waste solutions
Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) and partners have scheduled a conference titled "Beyond the Plastic Waste" on June 3 under its annual flagship event "Pakistan Environmental Awards and Conference of Best Practices". The event marks World Environment Day more meaningfully with a thematic conference and appreciation awards for the good work. The conference will include the high-level inaugural panel on "Plastic Waste: From Pollution to Solution". The other two sessions will focus on "Single-use Plastics: Sustainable Consumption, Production and Alternatives", and "The Waste Business: 3Rs and Integrated Resource Recycling (IRR)". The Second Pakistan Environmental Awards will also be conferred upon some of the best practices promoted under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Corporate Environmental Compliance (CEC), and environmental conservation projects by the nongovernmental sector. Some individuals and media persons will also be awarded for their good work. Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed said: "By beating the plastic pollution, together we can create a healthier future for the planet earth. This year's World Environment Day theme reminds us of our collective responsibility. This year's World Environment Day comes exactly two months before countries meet again to continue negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and held annually since 1973, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world. The Republic of Korea will host World Environment Day 2025 with a focus on ending plastic pollution globally.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Call for digital empowerment of women
Experts at the Devcom-Pakistan conference titled "Digital Futures'2025: Bridging the Gender Divide for Women's Empowerment in Pakistan" have called for the urgent need to digitally empower women to address the gender divide and strengthen women's empowerment in Pakistan. The conference, which coincided with National Women's Day (February 12) and International Women's Day (March 8), brought together influential policymakers, activists, and experts to discuss the role of digital technology in advancing gender equality. The conference highlighted critical recommendations aimed at empowering women through digital tools and resources. Experts emphasised the importance of widespread digital literacy programmes tailored for women, particularly in rural areas. These programmes should focus on basic technology skills, online safety, and digital entrepreneurship, equipping women with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Access to affordable and reliable internet and digital devices is essential for women to participate in the digital economy. Stakeholders recommended that the government and private sector collaborate to improve connectivity in underserved areas, ensuring that women can engage in online education, e-commerce, and other digital platforms. Experts called for the development of policies that promote gender-inclusive digital spaces. This includes addressing online harassment and discrimination and creating safe environments for women to express themselves and participate in the digital economy. Women entrepreneurs need targeted support to thrive in the digital economy. The conference advocated for incubators, mentorship programs, and access to funding specifically designed for women-led tech startups and digital businesses. They said the potential of social media to promote gender equality and women's empowerment was also discussed. Experts recommended utilising these platforms for advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community-building, as well as to challenge harmful stereotypes and elevate women's voices in tech-related fields. The Focal Person of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, Batool Syeda Amna discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering youth, particularly young women, through digital training and skill development. She said the theme of this conference resonates deeply with the core values of the Prime Minister Youth Programme – a programme that is committed to empowering the youth of Pakistan, especially young women, through access to education, digital platforms, and leadership opportunities. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said, "We live in an era where technology, particularly digital platforms, has become the great equaliser.
