Team Europe’s new programme for green jobs creation in Pakistan

Islamabad:The inauguration ceremony of the EUR 64 million Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Sector Support Programme- Phase IV- took place at the Centre of Excellence in Modern Technologies, says a press release.

The event marked a significant milestone under the European Union’s Team Europe Initiative on building back better, aimed for the creation of green jobs in Pakistan and bringing together the EU, France, Germany and Italy. Through this programme, the European Union and the Government of Germany will support Pakistan’s efforts towards improving technical education and employment prospects for its youth.

The Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, speaking as chief guest reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to fostering job opportunities, emphasising, “We are making all out efforts to create job opportunities, which is only possible with the economic growth of the country.” The Minister assured that the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sharif is paying special attention to the skills development, especially in high tech trades, and emphasized the need for expanding the scope of these programmes to remote areas of the country.

In her address, EU Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka highlighted the importance of reforming the TVET sector to meet the needs of young people, particularly women. She remarked, “Youth represents the future of Pakistan. Harnessing their potential, especially that of women, and creating an enabling environment is critical for Pakistan’s prosperity. The EU is committed to working with Pakistan on TVET to create green jobs for more inclusive and sustained economic growth. We have witnessed tremendous improvements in making this sector sustainable.” The Ambassador highlighted that the EU has been a longstanding partner and the biggest donor at the national level for TVET since 2011.