ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):The four day Policy Research Challenge (PRC) 2026 concluded in Islamabad on Thursday, bringing together 33 young researchers from across Pakistan to develop evidence based policy solutions for disaster risk reduction under the Pur Azm Pakistan Generation Unlimited initiative, implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF) with support from the Prime Minister's Youth Programme (PMYP), UNICEF, UNDP and UNFPA. …
Pur Azm Pakistan backs 15 youth disaster projects
ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):The four day Policy Research Challenge (PRC) 2026 concluded in Islamabad on Thursday, bringing together 33 young researchers from across Pakistan to develop evidence based policy solutions for disaster risk reduction under the Pur Azm Pakistan Generation Unlimited initiative, implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF) with support from the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), UNICEF, UNDP and UNFPA.
The programme equipped 16 adolescent and 17 youth researchers with research, leadership and policy development skills through expert led sessions, mentorship and collaborative learning aimed at strengthening disaster resilience and evidence informed policy making in Pakistan.
Implemented under Pur Azm Pakistan Generation Unlimited, the initiative is a joint effort of UNICEF Pakistan, UNDP Pakistan, UNFPA and PMYP in partnership with NDMA and SoLF to empower young people to contribute to national development through policy innovation.
Addressing participants, PMYP Joint Secretary Dr Muhammad Ali Malik highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping effective public policies, particularly for marginalized communities.
Mr Malik said the programme reflected the government’s commitment to empowering young people and creating opportunities for them to contribute to Pakistan’s development agenda.
During the boot camps, participants received training on Pakistan’s disaster risk reduction framework, anticipatory action, resilient communities and infrastructure, disaster preparedness, policy research methodologies and evidence based decision making.
Young researchers were also mentored on formulating research questions, collecting and analysing data, understanding policy processes and presenting policy recommendations to decision makers.
UNFPA Pakistan Programme Analyst for Adolescents and Youth Zahra Jabeen said meaningful youth engagement was essential for developing inclusive policies that respond to the aspirations and needs of future generations.
NDMA Manager Training Waseem Ahmad emphasized that strengthening national disaster resilience requires anticipatory action, scientific planning and active youth participation in disaster risk reduction efforts.
The programme concluded with participants presenting their research proposals before an expert evaluation panel.
Following a competitive assessment, five projects from the adolescent category and ten projects from the youth category total 15 projects were selected for grants and mentorship to further develop innovative policy solutions for disaster risk reduction.
The Policy Research Challenge 2026 underscores the shared commitment of PMYP, NDMA, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and SoLF to equip Pakistan’s youth with the research, leadership and advocacy skills needed to drive resilience, innovation and sustainable national development.
Pur Azm Pakistan is a national platform aimed at expanding access to skills development, employment, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities for young people through a coordinated partnership between the Government of Pakistan, PMYP, UNICEF and Generation Unlimited.
