ISLAMABAD: The panelists at Oxfam in Pakistan’s national event, organised to mark the International Youth Day, recognized that 131.1 million Pakistanis are under the age of 30 and yet youth continues to be systematically excluded from civic participation and is often unable to access services and opportunities.
Panelists at the event titled ‘Celebrating youth across Pakistan’ discussed the status of economic and social reforms for young people in the country. The panel included policymakers, academicians, representatives from the government youth affairs departments, entrepreneurs and members of the civil society, according to a press release issued here on Friday. In his welcome remarks, Oxfam in Pakistan Country Director Mohammed Qazilbash Pakistan said working for the rights of young people is a key priority for Oxfam and a consistent feature across its programmes. “Youth are agents of their own future and only by channeling young people’s energy, creativity and talent towards addressing the multiple inequalities they face, will we be able to build a fairer world,” he said. He reiterated Oxfam’s commitment towards supporting young people, in particular young girls, in becoming leaders and ensuring that their role in Pakistani society and economy is adequately valued and recognized.
Punjab Youth Affairs Department Deputy Secretary Tehmina Habib shed light on youth policies. Discussing the status of economic reforms for youth, entrepreneurs in the panel called for more youth-friendly schemes which can create economic opportunities for young people.
“An estimated four million young people enter the workforce each year in Pakistan. It is time we address the barriers that prevent aspiring young entrepreneurs from taking the first step towards entrepreneurship as a career. Promoting entrepreneurship should be an important priority for Pakistan’s economic development,” the panel members discussed. “Job creation in Pakistan is crucial for sustainability, democracy and peaceful economic growth. Social issues cannot be dealt with, without satisfactorily addressing youth’s meaningful engagement in work – be it jobs, agri-business or entrepreneurship,” stressed civil society representative.—PR
