Aug 12 , 2015
News
UN official asks youth to become agents of positive change
Marc says young people must have access to quality education, meaningful employment and genuine opportunities
APPISLAMABAD - A conference on civic engagement of young people was arranged to celebrate the International Youth Day under the aegis of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Young Parliamentarian Forum here on Wednesday.
About 64 per cent of Pakistan's population is below 29 years of age and these young people are important partners of change for the country, but with under 2 per cent of the youth being active members of community groups or other local organisations, it is imperative to dramatically change the situation on the ground and actively engage the young population.
On the occasion, UNDP Pakistan Country Director Marc Andr Franche said there was a critical need to engage Pakistan's youth bulge, and strengthen their role in community activities and decision-making. “This will only be possible by investing in youth, particularly by increasing their active civic engagement in socio- economic and political affairs. This places immense responsibility in the hands of legislators, policy makers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders,” he added.
Marc said that the UNDP's upcoming National Human Development Report on youth would highlight key role that Pakistani youth play in the country's future and aimed to provide a strategic direction for appropriate policy making. He said by ensuring the youth have access to quality education, meaningful employment and genuine opportunities for engagement, they could be mobilised to become agents of positive change towards prosperity, peace and human development.
He said together with the Norwegian government, UNDP was taking an active part in strengthening youth participation. “In Dera Ismail Khan District, our youth and social cohesion initiative helps involve young people in decision-making and community activities,” he added.
"We've partnered with USAID to provide training and work opportunities to help young people in Karachi's Lyari, Korangi and Sultanabad areas get involved in the garment industry. With support from DFID, we raised awareness on voter education, especially amongst youth and women," the UNDP country director said.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk