Establishment Of National Youth Development Foundation

A delegation of United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) led by its country head Ms. Lina called on Muhammad Usman Dar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs today at PM office Islamabad. Mr. Dar emphasized that his government believes in the potential of youth and is therefore investing greatly to mainstream youth in national development.

He said that Rs. 100 billion Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) and Rs. 30 billion Skill for All, already launched by the Prime Minister, under PM Kamyab Jawan Program reflect the commitment of the present government towards empowerment of the youth. He informed Ms. Lina that Startup Pakistan for training of entrepreneurs, Green Youth Movement (GYM) for social engagement of youth, National Internship Program (NIP) and National Health Youth Movement will be launched with collaboration of concerned ministries in the future.

Ms. Lina said that she is overwhelmingly excited and delighted at the initiatives of the present government for empowering youth in Pakistan. ” We strongly believe in your vision and solid political framework for engagement of youth.

UNFPA has invested in policy making and other areas as well”, she further said. Mr. Dar said that initial work on establishing National National Youth Development Foundation has already begun, which will ensure an institutional framework for youth at the federal level. He invited UNFPA to be part of the proposed PM Kamyab Jawan Program’s monitoring unit for extending technical support and knowledge sharing.

“It is the best time to work collectively for welfare of Pakistani youth as youth development is one of the key areas prioratised by our government for investment”, said Dar. Ms. Lina assured SAPM regarding support and cooperation of UNFPA towards PM Kamyab Jawan Program. She expressed that initiatives undertaken under the programme have the potential to positively engage youth and also turn around economy. The meeting was also attended by delegates of UNFPA and officials of the PM office.