JEDDAH: The 11th edition of the “Holy Sites Journey”, a youth engagement programme bringing together participants from more than 30 Muslim countries, concluded in Saudi Arabia, organisers said on Thursday, highlighting efforts to strengthen ties and promote shared values across the Muslim world.
According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the annual flagship programme was organised by the Saudi Ministry of Sports in partnership with the OIC and the League of Arab States from January 21–29.
The programme was designed to foster intercultural exchange and strengthen ties among youth across the Muslim world, while showcasing the Kingdom’s wide‑ranging initiatives to serve pilgrims and empower young people.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Amsal Zaman, Deputy Director at the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). On the occasion, he conveyed Pakistan’s appreciation to the Kingdom and OIC leadership.
He briefed officials on Pakistan’s landmark youth frameworks—the National Adolescent Youth Policy (NAYP) and the National Youth Employment Policy (NYEP).
He also held discussions with youth leaders from participating countries — including Egypt, Jordan, Nigeria, Indonesia, Qatar, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, and Mozambique — to explore cooperation in education, skills development, sports initiatives, and employment‑generation programmes.
According to the press release, over nine days, delegates visited key religious, historical, and cultural sites in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
A key highlight of the visit was the delegation’s trip to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where discussions focused on potential collaboration in research exchanges, scholarship programs, innovation ecosystems, and Pakistan–Saudi youth partnerships.
On the sidelines of the programme, the Pakistani delegation met with a representative of the Arab League to explore avenues for cooperation on youth development.
It was agreed that a formal meeting between the Chairman of PMYP and the Arab League Ambassador will be scheduled soon to advance a structured partnership.
Pakistan’s active participation in the Holy Sites Journey underscored the country’s growing emphasis on youth diplomacy, intercultural engagement, and regional partnership-building.
