Dateline Report
London, UK :In a significant step towards enhancing youth involvement in global development, the Commonwealth Secretariat hosted a delegation from Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme at Marlborough House in London. The event brought together young leaders, international policy makers, and development experts to foster dialogue on youth empowerment and sustainable development.Mr. Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, praised the visionary leadership of H.E. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. He commended the programme’s transformative approach in engaging youth for sustainability and lauded its impact on mobilizing young people to contribute towards global development, particularly the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Mr. Sushil Ram, Advisor for Youth Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, underscored the vital role that young leaders play in shaping the future. He emphasized the importance of youth engagement within the Commonwealth’s framework, noting that the enthusiasm and innovative spirit of today’s youth are key drivers of social change and sustainable development.Representing Pakistan, Mr. Rizwan Anwar, Special Representative to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and Global Youth Ambassador to the United Nations, delivered a compelling address on the challenges and opportunities related to the SDGs. He stressed the crucial role youth must play in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, gender equality, and fostering inclusive economic growth.Ms. Maha Jamil, a Special Representative to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, highlighted the importance of increased women’s participation in sustainable development efforts. She emphasized that fostering leadership opportunities for women and girls is essential for achieving long-term, meaningful impact in global development.The meeting was attended by notable participants including youth delegates from Pakistan: Mr. Hamza Ali Batth, Ms. Maryam Javid, and Ms. Sabah Sohail.Also present were representatives from international organizations, including Ms. Saima Majeed, Youth Officer at the Commonwealth, Mr. Geoff Thompson from Youth Charter, Dr. Allam Ahmed from the World Association for Sustainable Development, and Ms. Lina Suleiman and Mr. Mosab Ahmed from Queen Mary University.The event provided a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas and the formation of strategic collaborations aimed at advancing youth empowerment and sustainable development across the Commonwealth. Discussions reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering youth-led initiatives and emphasized the critical role of young people in shaping a sustainable and inclusive global future.
