Chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Rana Mashood on Thursday said supporting young people and their inclusion into policy-making to combat climate change was not just important but essential. The Chairperson was delivering his keynote address at the roundtable titled “Empowering Young People to Shape Inclusive Climate Policies Through Policy Research Challenge, Under the umbrella of Generation Unlimited”, organized by the Youth Policy Lab (YPL) platform that has emerged, bringing together UN agencies—UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP—and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) in a synergistic collaboration with the School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF).
This coalition introduced the Policy Research Challenge (PRC) in 2023, marking a significant stride in involving young people at the policy level. Through the PRC, the YPL gives young people a platform to have their voices heard in policy decisions, ensuring their unique needs are considered during important developmental stages. Rana Mashood said, “Their (youth) innovative ideas and unique perspectives are crucial in developing effective and inclusive climate policies that will shape a sustainable future.” Dr. Rubina Ali, Assistant Representative of UNFPA, remarked, “Combating climate change requires innovative and community-based solutions. It requires a new perspective, and who better to offer these solutions than young people who have only known a world grappling with its consequences.” Inoussa Kabore, Deputy Representative (Programmes) UNICEF Pakistan, highlighted how these researchers have taken a transdisciplinary approach to the topic of climate adaptation and have explored issues faced by them and their communities with regards to water, education, health, smog, agriculture, and community resilience. A highlight of the roundtable was the Policy Interface Matchup, where adolescent and youth researchers engaged directly with ministry representatives, facilitating a constructive dialogue to align adolescents and youth-driven research with governmental policies.
