MINISTER for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal’s announcement to mobilize one million young people as “Ambassadors of Social Change” is an initiative that deserves serious attention and broad public support. Pakistan’s greatest strength lies in its youthful population. If properly educated, skilled and engaged, this demographic can become a powerful engine of national development rather than a burden on limited resources.
The proposed programme recognizes an important reality: sustainable development is not achieved through government policies alone. Public awareness and community participation are equally essential. By mobilizing young volunteers to promote education, healthcare, family planning, sanitation and environmental protection, the initiative seeks to create a culture of informed citizenship. Young people, with their energy, creativity and ability to connect through digital platforms, are particularly well placed to influence attitudes and inspire positive behavioural change within their communities. One of the most important aspects of this initiative is the message it sends to the youth that they matter and have a meaningful role in shaping the country’s future. By involving them directly in community development and public awareness campaigns, the government can instill a sense of ownership, responsibility and confidence among young people. Such engagement not only empowers them to become agents of positive change but also strengthens their trust in national institutions and the development process. However, the programme’s success will depend on effective execution rather than ambitious numbers alone. The selection process should be transparent and inclusive, reaching young people from urban centres as well as remote and underserved regions. Their orientation and capacity-building should be practical, evidence-based and supported by educational institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector. Regular monitoring should measure not only how many ambassadors are mobilized but also the tangible impact of their work in improving community awareness and behaviour. It should also be linked with internships, volunteer credits and career opportunities so that social service becomes both a national responsibility and a pathway to personal growth.
