Mashhood, UNFPA deputy rep discuss collaboration

Islamabad: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan held a meeting with UNFPA Deputy Representative for Pakistan Latika Pardhan and discussed with her collaborative efforts for youth empowerment in Pakistan.

The meeting focused on key initiatives, including the development of a Youth Development Index (YDI), the establishment of a Youth Helpline, and capacity-building programs for the National Youth Council (NYC).

Both sides emphasized the importance of evidence-based tools like the Youth Development Index to track and evaluate progress on youth-centric policies and initiatives. The proposed YDI aims to provide actionable insights for enhancing the effectiveness of youth programs nationwide.

In discussions, the establishment of the Youth Helpline was identified as a critical step toward addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by young people, including mental health, education, employment, and reproductive health concerns. The helpline will serve as a one-stop platform for guidance and support, ensuring accessibility for youth across Pakistan.

The capacity-building of NYC members was another focal point of the meeting. Mashhood highlighted plans to equip NYC members with leadership skills, advocacy techniques, and tools to enable them to effectively represent youth interests at the national and regional levels. A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to formalise the partnership between the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and UNFPA through the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The MoU will pave the way for joint efforts in advancing youth development initiatives, fostering gender equality, and addressing socio-economic challenges faced by young people in Pakistan.