THE chapter titled “New Vision, Strategy, and Measures for Talent Development in the New Era” from Xi Jinping’s book “The Governance of China IV” outlines a visionary and comprehensive approach to building a talent-strong country. This commentary explores how Xi’s vision can be contextualized within Pakistan, a country with a significant youth demographic and untapped potential, and the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, emphasizing the importance of talent in driving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Xi emphasizes the importance of the Party’s leadership in talent-related work as the foundation for developing a high-calibre workforce. In Pakistan, a similar approach can be adapted where leadership at both federal and provincial levels prioritizes youth development. Given that 68% of Pakistan’s population is under 30, the country stands on the cusp of a demographic dividend. Effective leadership can channel this youthful energy into constructive avenues, much like Xi’s vision for China. For BRI countries, strong governance structures can ensure that talent development initiatives are aligned with national and regional goals, fostering a cohesive strategy across diverse cultures and economies.
Xi identifies talent as the primary driver of innovation and a strategic asset in international competition. Pakistan, with its burgeoning youth population, can leverage this strategy through skill development programs in IT, engineering, and sciences. BRI countries, with their diverse human resources, can benefit from coordinated efforts to harness talent for innovation-driven development. Initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can facilitate talent exchange and capacity building, driving regional economic growth and technological advancement.
Xi’s call to target global scientific and technological frontiers aligns well with the needs of BRI countries. China’s experience in advancing science and technology offers valuable lessons. BRI nations must support and encourage their scientists and engineers to keep abreast of global advances and produce first-class research outcomes. Initiatives like the China-BRI Talent Training Program can facilitate knowledge transfer and collaborative research, ensuring that technological advancements are shared and applied across participating countries. By fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry, BRI nations can collectively enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.
Emphasis on well-rounded training and maximizing potential is crucial. Pakistan must align educational institutions and vocational training centres with market needs to develop a skilled, innovative workforce capable of driving the country forward. BRI countries, facing similar challenges, can adopt best practices from each other to create robust training programs, with China’s focus on nurturing top-notch personnel and innovative teams serving as a model. Collaborative educational initiatives, such as student exchange programs and joint research projects, can further enhance the capabilities of youth across BRI nations.
Institutional barriers often hinder talent development. Xi’s emphasis on removing these barriers resonates strongly with Pakistan’s context. The country needs to reform its educational and employment systems to prioritize merit and innovation over bureaucratic constraints. Simplifying procedures and providing clear career pathways can help retain talent and prevent brain drain. BRI countries, too, must undertake similar reforms to create a more conducive environment for talent development. The harmonization of policies and standards across the BRI can facilitate smoother collaboration and mobility of talent, fostering an integrated approach to regional development.
An enabling environment that respects and values talent is essential for sustained development. Pakistan must work towards creating social, institutional, and living environments that support and nurture talent. Ensuring fairness and equality, providing satisfactory support, and cultivating a culture of respect and innovation are critical. By celebrating achievements and providing tangible benefits, Pakistan can encourage its youth to fully engage in nation-building efforts. BRI countries should similarly strive to create the best conditions possible for talent to thrive. This includes ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and other essential services that enable individuals to reach their full potential.
Xi’s call to promote the ethos of scientists—patriotism, innovation, truth-seeking, dedication, and teamwork—is particularly relevant. Pakistan should champion similar values to inspire its youth. By highlighting the contributions of scientists and innovators, the country can create role models for young people. Initiatives like science fairs, innovation competitions, and public recognition of achievements can help in this regard. Encouraging seasoned professionals to mentor and guide young talent can also foster a culture of continuous learning and excellence. BRI countries can collectively promote these values, fostering a regional culture that prioritizes scientific inquiry and innovation.
Alignment of talent development with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for long-term global progress. Xi’s vision supports SDGs like quality education (SDG 4), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). Through collaboration, BRI countries can harness talent to achieve these goals by investing in education, vocational training, and fostering innovation, thereby improving economic prospects, reducing poverty, and driving sustainable industrial growth and infrastructure development for a better quality of life.
Xi Jinping’s chapter provides a strategic framework for talent development that Pakistan and BRI countries can adapt to their unique contexts. With a significant portion of their populations being youth, these nations have a tremendous opportunity to harness this demographic advantage for national and regional development. By adopting a holistic approach that includes strong leadership, strategic focus, comprehensive training, institutional reform, global engagement, an enabling environment, and the promotion of scientific ethos, these countries can cultivate a generation of talented individuals capable of driving sustainable growth and innovation.
The journey towards a talent-strong region is not easy, but with commitment and strategic planning, Pakistan and BRI countries can create a future where their young populations lead the way to new heights of innovation and prosperity. This collaborative approach will not only benefit individual nations but also contribute to global stability and progress, fulfilling the broader goals of the Belt and Road Initiative.
—The writer is a dynamic Global Climate Youth Leader, based in Islamabad.
