The British Council Pakistan and Education Above All have worked together to establish the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI).
The British Council Pakistan and Education Above All have worked together to establish the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI), which is a major step toward youth empowerment and sustainable development.
The three-year initiative, led by the British Council Pakistan, aims to work in conjunction with the Government of Pakistan’s Youth Development Program, UNDP Pakistan, local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and public universities.
Funding for this ambitious project is provided jointly by the Education Above All Foundation, specifically through its “Reach Out to Asia” (ROTA) program, as part of its “Global Citizenship Education for Climate Action” (GCED) initiative. The formal agreement for this collaboration was signed at the 11th WISE Summit in Doha on November 28.
The primary objective of the PYLI project is to empower young men and women in Pakistan with knowledge about social and ethical principles while encouraging them to embrace diversity through inclusive and responsible initiatives. The focus is on initiatives that contribute to local, national, and global agendas for sustainable development, with a specific emphasis on climate action.
By prioritizing high-quality education for youth, the project aims to build a robust foundation for the upcoming generations in Pakistan. The goal is to foster a society that not only thrives economically but is also environmentally conscious, contributing to efforts aimed at mitigating climate change.
James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council Pakistan, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “The Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative will help young people shape their future as leaders of tomorrow in the face of today’s climate crisis. The British Council is honored to partner once again with Education Above All and Reach Out to Asia.”
Professor Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan, highlighted the global significance of climate issues and the active engagement of youth through various initiatives. Notably, he mentioned the Green Youth Movement, a prominent project led by HEC, which has established Green Youth Movement clubs in 137 universities across the country.
The PYLI project aligns with the broader goal of nurturing socially responsible and environmentally conscious leaders who can actively contribute to sustainable development. By fostering a sense of global citizenship and emphasizing climate action, the initiative aims to equip Pakistani youth with the skills and knowledge needed to address the challenges of the future.
As Pakistan focuses on building a sustainable and prosperous future, initiatives like PYLI play a crucial role in shaping the mindset and capabilities of the youth. The collaboration between the British Council Pakistan and Education Above All reflects a shared commitment to investing in the potential of young leaders and creating positive, lasting impacts on both local and global scales.