ISLAMABAD: Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) resonated with a powerful call for youth empowerment and sustainable action as UNFPA Pakistan, School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF), and Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) united to celebrate International Youth Day 2023.
The press release issued on Saturday read that the event aimed to honour the potential of the youth, acknowledge their obstacles, and stimulate innovative approaches toward a greener and more sustainable future.
The event commenced with a warm reception by Latika Maskey Pradhan, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Pakistan, and Dr. Raja Muhammad Qaiser, Registrar of Quaid-e-Azam University. In her address to the audience, Pradhan underscored the urgency of addressing sustainable development challenges within the current global context.
International Youth Day and Sustainable Future
“By nurturing innovation and leadership among young individuals, we can cultivate a more conscientious generation capable of mending our planet,” stated Ms. Pradhan. “Together, we can unlock their immense potential, tap into their creativity and innovation, and construct a world that ensures equal opportunities for all.”
Recognizing the significance of equipping youth with green skills, the event featured interactive presentations, dialogues, and a theatrical performance that encapsulated the essence of the day.
Throughout the event, the collaboration between UNFPA, QAU, and SoLF was evident, with their joint endeavors spotlighted as crucial steps in fostering young leaders for sustainable transformation.
“Theater serves as a potent medium for conveying messages of change and empowerment. Through the inclusion of a theatrical performance in today’s event, we aimed to ignite the minds and hearts of our youth, promoting meaningful discussions about our collective role in shaping a greener future,” said Managing Director of SoLF Mariyam Irfan in her speech.
Empowering youth for social entrepreneurship and green development is the focal point of pioneering projects like the Health & Well-being Innovation Challenge and Generation Unlimited Challenge. Noteworthy initiatives such as She-Guard, dedicated to crafting eco-friendly sanitary pads; Siachen Sherpa, focused on constructing an artificial glacier for sustainable water in Khaplu, Gilgit Baltistan; and Zamurd Enterprise, committed to replacing plastics with biodegradable organic Bio Plastic within three to six months, were highlighted at the event, showcasing inspiring paradigms of best practices.
