A resounding call for youth empowerment and sustainable action echoed through the halls of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) as UNFPA Pakistan, School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF) and Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) joined forces to commemorate International Youth Day 2023. The event aimed to celebrate the potential of the youth, acknowledge their challenges, and inspire innovative approaches towards a greener and more sustainable future.

The event opened with the warm welcome of Ms. Latika Maskey Pradhan, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Pakistan, and Dr Raja Muhammad Qaiser, the Registrar of Quaid-i-Azam University. Addressing the audience, Ms. Pradhan emphasized the urgency of addressing sustainable development challenges in the current global landscape.

Recognizing the importance of green skills for youth, the event featured interactive presentations, dialogues, and a theater performance that captured the essence of the day. The collaboration between UNFPA, QAU and SoLF resonated strongly throughout the event, as their joint projects were highlighted as essential steps toward nurturing young leaders for sustainable change.

“Theater is a powerful medium for conveying messages of change and empowerment. By including a theatre performance in today’s event, our aim was to awaken the hearts and minds of our youth, encouraging thoughtful discussions on our collective role in shaping a greener future,” remarked Mariyam Irfan, the Managing Director of SoLF. Empowering youth for social entrepreneurship and green development is the focus of innovative projects like the Health & Well-being Innovation Challenge and Generation Unlimited Challenge.

As the event concluded, participants expressed enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to driving sustainable change. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali, Director, Academics QAU, senior faculty members, and a large number of staff and students attended the event.