Pakistan Calls for Stronger Commonwealth Youth Agenda to Expand Opportunities and Inclusion
Islamabad, July 29:Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth development and strengthening cooperation among Commonwealth nations, with a renewed focus on education, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and skills development. Chairing a special virtual meeting of the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force (CYMTF), Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan emphasized the importance of a coordinated and forward-looking youth agenda that empowers young people to contribute to sustainable national and global development.
The meeting, co-chaired by Samoa’s Minister of Family and Social Affairs, Hon. Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai, brought together representatives from Commonwealth member states and the Commonwealth Secretariat to review the draft Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Strategic Framework 2026–2030. Participants discussed key recommendations aimed at ensuring the framework effectively addresses the evolving needs, aspirations, and challenges faced by young people across the Commonwealth.
Delegates also reviewed progress on preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Forum, the Commonwealth Youth Council, and the 11th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting, highlighting the importance of these platforms in strengthening youth engagement and policy coordination.
In his opening remarks, Rana Mashhood welcomed the active participation of member states and praised the Commonwealth Secretariat for conducting an inclusive consultation process in developing the new strategic framework. Reaffirming Pakistan’s full support for the proposed document, he noted its strong alignment with the Commonwealth Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and its shared vision of empowering youth through inclusive and sustainable policies.
Highlighting Pakistan’s youth development priorities, the PMYP chairman underscored the need to expand access to quality education, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, vocational skills, and evidence-based policymaking. He also welcomed flagship initiatives designed to promote inclusive youth participation, improve access to finance and markets, and strengthen digital capabilities, particularly for young people in small states and vulnerable communities. He stressed that deeper Commonwealth collaboration would help unlock the full potential of youth as drivers of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development across member countries.
