Netherlands embassy hosts youth perspectives panel

Islamabad:The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands hosted a dynamic panel discussion titled ‘Voices for Change: Youth Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities.’

This event brought together a diverse group of young leaders, students, activists, and representatives from various organisations to address critical issues facing Pakistani youth. In her opening remarks, the Ambassador Henny de Vries, emphasised the importance of talking directly to and with youth, rather than merely about them.

“Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the drivers of change today,” she stated, highlighting that approximately 64% of Pakistan's population is under 30 years old. The panel featued five distinguished speakers representing diverse fields including climate activism, transgender rights, entrepreneurship, human rights, and youth advocacy. Moderated by Usama Khilji, Director of Bolo Bhi, the discussion explored pressing challenges and opportunities for Pakistani youth.

The event, aligned with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and International Human Rights Day, aimed to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and inspire collaborative action among young leaders. Participants were encouraged to share their thoughts on ways to best empower youth in Pakistan for instance through the work of the international community.

The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that engage and uplift young people, recognizing that youth empowerment is crucial for advancing human rights. The event concluded with a Q&A session and networking opportunity, generating actionable recommendations for future youth empowerment initiatives.