UNDP vow to further assist NYDF

Islamabad: SAPM on Youth Affairs Usman Dar held a meeting with the Country Head of UNDP Pakistan Mr. Knut Ostby regarding Kamyab Jawan programme in Islamabad. SAPM on Youth Affairs expressed his gratitude for the technical and financial support provided by UNDP in the preparation of National Youth Development Framework (NYDF) as all the initiatives of Kamyab Jawan programme are designed on the basis of 3 Es (Employment, Education and Engagement) conceptualized in the framework. He further said that on the core concept of 3 Es, Kamyab Jawan Programme has business Loan Scheme of PKR 100 billion, a Rs. 10 Billion Skills scholarship programme and five new initiatives of 5 billion rupees focusing on Youth engagement to be executed in collaboration with Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. “I’m looking forward to many more fruitful collaborations with national and international youth development partners with the support of UNDP Pakistan.” expressed Usman Dar. SAPM also stated that the statistics regarding loan disbursements will be made public within a week with an aim to ensure transparency. Country Head UNDP Pakistan appreciated the policies of government of Pakistan especially for dealing successfully with Corona pandemic through the implementation of smart lock down. He ensured to extend his full support for arranging a conference of youth development partners for the greater benefit of the youth and pledged to continue UNDP’s support for youth empowerment and development in Pakistan.

It is note that earlier this month, Government of Pakistan and UNDP Pakistan organized ‘Pedal for a Green Pakistan’ cycling event in Islamabad as a prequel to World Environment Day celebrations. The cycling event was led by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with Ministry of Climate Change, UNDP Pakistan, and Urban Innovation.

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5 June—engaging governments, businesses and citizens in an effort to address pressing environmental issues. Every year the day is hosted by different countries. This year Pakistan is the global host.

The cycling event was part of the series of activities planned to celebrate World Environment Day. Led by Foreign Minister Mr. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, members of the diplomatic corps and UN agencies based in Islamabad, along with representatives from the Foreign Ministry, cycled from D-chowk Constitution Avenue to the Foreign Office Building. The event was held to encourage and promote the use of bicycles for the reduction of carbon footprint, noise pollution and vehicular emission.

Speaking at the event, the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, “The theme of this year’s Environment Day, Ecosystem Restoration, is at the heart of Prime Minister’s Green Vision, and Pakistan is committed to continue playing our due role in countering the climate crisis, protecting biological diversity and promoting ecosystem restoration.”

State Minister for Climate Change, Ms. Zartaj Gul while addressing the participants highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate related disasters, and how it’s constantly facing the brunt of climate change on its diverse natural ecosystems. She also emphasized on the important role Pakistan is playing and the future actions we can take to address this.