PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirms commitment to youth empowerment at summit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the inaugural session of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance summit on Tuesday, reiterated his government’s strong commitment to youth empowerment. He emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships, supporting entrepreneurship, and prioritizing education and skills development to ensure a prosperous future for both Pakistan and the Commonwealth.

“We must ensure that youth remain central to governance and decision-making processes. This will empower the young generation, enabling them to lead in fostering partnerships, supporting entrepreneurship, and prioritizing education and skills,” said the Prime Minister. He highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping a resilient and progressive future for the Commonwealth.

Welcoming delegates from various countries, the Prime Minister noted that with over 60% of the Commonwealth’s population under 30, the future lies in the hands of the youth. He stressed the need to equip them with modern technology and training to help carve out a peaceful and prosperous future.

Referring to Pakistan’s youth demographic, with around 70% of the population under the age of 30, he noted that the country fully recognizes the potential of its youth, turning challenges into valuable opportunities.

The Prime Minister outlined various initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, including the Youth Programme, which has already empowered millions of young people across Pakistan. He also mentioned his tenure as Punjab’s Chief Minister, where he launched initiatives like the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, Daanish Schools, and the distribution of 600,000 laptops to high achievers. These initiatives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabled students to access education and earn income remotely.

He encouraged the youth to contribute to nation-building, urging them to “dream boldly, act courageously, work tirelessly, and have faith and conviction.” He emphasized that the future of Pakistan’s progress and prosperity lies in their hands.

Earlier, the Prime Minister administered the oath to the newly formed National Youth Council members and presented awards to high achievers for their outstanding contributions.