Prince’s Trust International, launches new research showing that most young people surveyed in Pakistan are interested in sustainable careers.
“It is a great pleasure to be able to mark International Youth Day, an occasion which is immensely close to my heart. Today gives us all an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of young people and, additionally, allows us to reflect on the impact that recent years have had on the younger generation. In terms of the adversities they have faced, it is remarkable to see the resilience and ambition young people continue to show in the face of unprecedented global challenges. “It gives me great personal pride to reflect on the stories of the young people I have met through the work of my Prince’s Trust. Over the past forty-six years, The Prince’s Trust group of charities has helped well over one million young people in more than twenty countries to build better futures for themselves. “And yet many more young people continue to need our support, having endured vastly challenging events in recent years. From the impact of a public health crisis, and now a cost-of-living challenge, to the threat of climate change, there has been much to erode the hope of the younger generation”.
“It is time for us all to come together to support the world’s future workforce. From decades of experience in the United Kingdom, and now across the Commonwealth and beyond, my Trust has demonstrated that, by investing in the potential of young people, society and a circular, green economy based on harmony with Nature will feel the positive benefits for years to come. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who is already supporting young people around the world. But most of all, I want to show my appreciation of what the younger generation can achieve. It is particularly important that you know your resilience is respected, your determination is admired and that our commitment to you is clear, in order to give you all the chance you deserve”. The new research set out to understand the views of young people on the future of work and the actions business, government and civil society can take to help young people achieve their ambitions. The findings show that 83% of young people surveyed in Pakistan think it is important for their job or career to have a positive impact on the community and wider world, while 80% of young people are interested in a green job. Prince’s Trust International has launched new research into the future of work, supported by HSBC. The research highlights ‘An Upskill Struggle’ for many young people on their journey from education to the workplace. The report encompasses a YouGov survey of 10,000 young people and focus groups across 12 countries.
“Young people worldwide are disproportionately impacted by the multi-faceted challenges facing our world today, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, growing inequalities, and ongoing conflicts. “To ensure every young person is empowered to reach their fullest potential, we must invest in universal, quality, and relevant opportunities for young people, including education, skills development, and decent jobs. This urgent need for action is captured in The Prince’s Trust Group’s second report on the future of work for young people”. Enterprise Challenge Pakistan is a joint initiative from Prince’s Trust International and SEED Ventures. Now in its 6th year, the programme enables small teams of school students to learn practical business skills through coaching, mentoring and an online business simulation game. The programme works to change young people’s mentality from viewing themselves only as job seekers to viewing themselves as potential job creators. Participants Ranika and Ritika won the second prize in this year’s Enterprise Challenge Pakistan. They will soon start building and stocking their fish tank. Using cutting-edge biofloc technology, their tank aims to trial the cultivation of protein-rich fish at an affordable price, with minimal environmental impact. The idea saw their team win second prize in this year’s Enterprise Challenge Pakistan. Ranika and Ritika now plan to put their £1000 prize money towards setting up their first tank, which will hold up to 1,000 fish. Prince’s Trust International will continue to collaborate with SEED Ventures to ensure more young people like Ranika and Ritika can benefit from this work.