Islamabad: Over 64% of Pakistan population is under age 35 which need due attention particular engagement in socially cohesive and resilient societal building. “Pakistani youth are energetic and pose a great potential to be positively engaged in the development of process of the country”, Dr. Phillip Paul Goodwin, chief executive, VSO International shared with the participants at the launching of Youth & Social Cohesion Programme by Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), Pakistan here, says a press release. He further appreciated the efforts of VSO and said that the organization through its provision of Volunteer Management System has enabled Rescue 1122 to recruit and train over 1 million volunteers across the province. The event was attended by wide range of stakeholders from every walk of life including Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Director General of Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122, Ms. Donne Cameron, executive progarmme head, VSO, International, Ms. Kimi Williams, Deputy Head of DFID, Hashim Bilal, Country Director, VSO Pakistan and other reputed guest from UN, INGOs, NGOS, Government departments along with VSO staff and youth volunteers graced the ceremony. VSO inspires to work with youth and community volunteers to promote social cohesion and build communities resilience to shocks and stresses. Pakistan due to its geographic location and recent climate changes is prone to disasters and natural calamities such as flood and earthquake.
