IRM celebrates youth entrepreneurs at alumni success stories showcase

ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): IRM has hosted the “Alumni Success Stories Showcase: The Power of Possibility” under the IRM Smart STEP (Social Transformation and Empowerment Programme) & Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Project (SPPAP), bringing together development leaders, partners especially IFAD, and stakeholders to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young entrepreneurs from across Pakistan.

The event recognized young women & men graduates who successfully completed specialized training in Technical and Vocational Skills, Digital Marketing, and E-Commerce and have gone on to establish thriving businesses, secure sustainable livelihoods, and contribute actively to Pakistan’s evolving economy.

Many of these successful entrepreneurs hailed from remote and underserved areas, demonstrating that access to quality skills training and opportunities can unlock extraordinary potential regardless of geography, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

The showcase featured inspiring stories of resilience, determination, and innovation, highlighting how young men and women have transformed their lives through market-relevant skills and entrepreneurship.

Participants shared their journeys of overcoming challenges, building enterprises, generating income, and creating opportunities for others within their communities.

IRM was honored to welcome distinguished guests and representatives from leading development and partner organizations, including Dr. Roomi S. Hayat – CEO IRM, Dr. Rashid Bajwa – CEO National Rural Support Program (NRSP), Dr. Allah Nawaz – CEO Thardeep Rural Development Program (TRDP), Sahibzada G. Mohyuddin – CEO Trust For Voluntary Organizations (TVO), Robeela Bangash – CEO Human Resource Development Network (HRDN), Asghar Nassar – Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA), Ayesha Quresh from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Rabia Razzaque from International Labour Organization (ILO), Najaf Khan from Asian Development Bank (ADB), Farva Minhas from The Asia Foundation (TAF), Jarahmeel Jalal and Solomon Cornelius from Tearfund, Sarmad Iqbal from Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Adnan Imran from the State Bank of Pakistan, Khurram Shehzad from Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and representatives from Kindernothilfe (KNH) and others.

Their presence reflected a collective commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

The audience, comprising development practitioners, partners, stakeholders, and community representatives, expressed great appreciation for the accomplishments of the alumni. Many attendees shared that the success stories were both inspiring and encouraging, demonstrating the transformative impact of skills development programmes in creating sustainable livelihoods, particularly in remote and marginalized regions of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, IRM’s CEO, Dr. Roomi S. Hayat reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through demand-driven skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives. Through these initiatives and projects, IRM continues to equip young people with the technical, vocational, and digital competencies needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven economy.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from partners and stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that create pathways for economic empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable development. The achievements of the alumni stand as a powerful reminder that with the right opportunities, training, and support, young people can transform not only their own futures but also the future of their communities.