ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP):Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Tuesday urged Pakistani youth to prepare themselves for national leadership under Vision 2047, stressing that collective action, volunteerism and greater preparedness are essential to confront climate change and natural disasters as Pakistan seeks to build a resilient and prosperous future. Addressing a ceremony at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), he said Pakistan would celebrate its 79th …
Youth must lead Pakistan towards vision 2047: Rana Mashhood
ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP):Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Tuesday urged Pakistani youth to prepare themselves for national leadership under Vision 2047, stressing that collective action, volunteerism and greater preparedness are essential to confront climate change and natural disasters as Pakistan seeks to build a resilient and prosperous future.
Addressing a ceremony at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), he said Pakistan would celebrate its 79th Independence Day on Aug 14 and had faced numerous challenges during its 79 years, but the country possessed immense potential, particularly among its young population.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would soon announce Vision 2047, setting out where Pakistan should stand when it completes 100 years as an independent country.
He added that the views of young people are being given special importance in shaping the vision.
Rana Mashhood said the National Youth Council is functioning as the Prime Minister’s Youth Advisory Board, while consultations are being held with Pakistani youth across the country and overseas to shape a strategy for the future.
“Today’s youth will be leading Pakistan in different professional and practical fields by 2047,” he said, urging them to prepare themselves for that responsibility.
Highlighting climate change as one of Pakistan’s major challenges, he said the country is increasingly exposed to floods, heatwaves and other natural disasters.
He appreciated the NDMA’s use of modern technology and scientific methods for early identification of disaster risks and preparedness.
The chairman noted that Pakistan is suffering the consequences of climate change despite having a limited role in causing the problem.
The country therefore needed to enhance its preparedness and response capacity, while the international community must also fulfil its responsibilities towards climate vulnerable countries.
Rana Mashhood said the Green Youth Movement is being expanded on the Prime Minister’s directives and had so far brought 137 universities into the programme.
The government aimed to add another 50 to 60 universities this year and subsequently extend the initiative to affiliated colleges and schools.
He said the National Volunteer Corps would train young people to respond to natural disasters and emergencies.
Between 100,000 and 150,000 training sessions are targeted for completion this year, while the government planned to train two million young people over the next three years.
He said the NDMA, UNICEF and other partner organisations are identifying areas most vulnerable to future climate and natural disaster risks, with volunteers in those areas to receive priority training.
Rana Mashhood said young Pakistanis would not only contribute to disaster response but also play a leading role in the country’s economic and social development.
The government, he added, was taking measures to expand access to technical education, employment and other opportunities.
He said extensive employment and scholarship opportunities are available for Pakistani youth at home and abroad.
The Prime Minister’s vision, he added, is to ensure that young people advanced on the basis of merit and ability without having to rely on recommendations or make repeated visits to government offices.
He also urged overseas Pakistanis to mentor young people in the country and help them benefit from available opportunities, expertise and resources.
“If every successful Pakistani supports even one young person, it can open a new chain of opportunities and development in the country,” he said.
The government, he added, is taking various measures to connect overseas Pakistanis with Pakistani youth so that their skills, experience and resources could contribute to youth development.
Rana Mashhood said the Green Youth Movement and National Volunteer Corps would eventually go beyond disaster risk management and emerge as a strong force of young people prepared to lead the country.
He said new opportunities are opening up for youth under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership and Pakistan’s positive image is being projected internationally.
“Vision 2047 is Pakistan’s vision for the future, and its success depends on young people stepping forward to lead,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s future is closely linked to the positive, creative and innovative minds of its youth.
Regarding the National Volunteer Corps, Rana Mashhood said large scale volunteer training would be conducted across the country in the coming months.
He said he would personally oversee the activities to ensure effective training and strengthen the spirit of national service, responsibility and leadership among young people.
He appreciated the cooperation of the NDMA, UNICEF, Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, Pakistan Girl Guides Association, Higher Education Commission and other partner organisations, saying their joint efforts are helping establish a nationwide volunteer force capable of responding to natural disaster risks and mobilising youth for national service.
