Governments around the world often talk about youth policy. The problem of course is that young people themselves are not always in a position to participate in the development of such policies – they are simply handed directives from the top. But not always.
Earlier this week, on January 21, Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet approved a new National Youth Policy. The new policy includes recommendations made by a diverse group of young student leaders, developed during a CIPE event in Islamabad last summer. At the meeting student group representatives advocated for the inclusion of economic and entrepreneurial programs into the youth policy and it seems as if the government has taken their recommendations seriously.
Unemployment among young people in Pakistan is hovering around 13-14% and the original Youth Policy seemed to sidestep the issue by focusing more on education spending and sports programs. Youth participating at a CIPE event made specific policy recommendations relating to economic empowerment to the Minister of Youth Affairs who was in attendance. The young attendees then compiled and submitted a report to the office of Youth Affairs which made a case for a specific set of policies. The pending adoption of the new National Youth Policy represents a great leap forward in building a constructive policy dialogue between the enormous youth community in Pakistan with the government.
The Associated Press of Pakistan writes:
The Cabinet was informed that the objective of having a national youth policy is to re‑enforce sense of pride and motivation, creating an enabling and conducive environment for youth to play an effective and positive role in the nation building process.
The policy also aims at providing opportunities to youth for income generation, employment and sports activities.
Published Date: January 23, 2009