Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening youth cooperation across the Commonwealth while co-chairing a special meeting of the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force (CYMTF), where member states reviewed the draft Commonwealth Youth Programme Strategic Framework 2026–2030 and discussed measures to expand opportunities for young people through education, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and skills development.
Pakistan pushes stronger commonwealth youth agenda
ISLAMABAD, Jul 29 (APP):Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening youth cooperation across the Commonwealth while co-chairing a special meeting of the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force (CYMTF), where member states reviewed the draft Commonwealth Youth Programme Strategic Framework 2026–2030 and discussed measures to expand opportunities for young people through education, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and skills development.
The virtual meeting was co-chaired by Samoa’s Minister of Family and Social Affairs, Hon. Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai, and attended by representatives of Commonwealth member states and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The participants reviewed feedback on the draft Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Strategic Framework 2026–2030 and discussed the future direction of the programme.
The meeting also received updates on preparations for the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the Commonwealth Youth Council and the 11th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting.
In his opening remarks, Rana Mashhood welcomed delegates and appreciated member states for their active participation in the consultation process, saying the discussions reflected a shared commitment to ensuring Commonwealth youth initiatives remain responsive to the changing needs and aspirations of young people.
Speaking on behalf of Pakistan, he commended the Commonwealth Secretariat for conducting an inclusive consultation process in developing the new strategic framework and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the document and its alignment with the Commonwealth Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
Highlighting Pakistan’s youth development vision, the PMYP chairman stressed the need to expand access to quality education, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, skills training and evidence based policymaking to enable young people to contribute effectively to national and global development.
He welcomed proposed flagship initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive youth participation, increasing entrepreneurship opportunities, improving access to finance and markets, and strengthening digital capabilities through enhanced skills and digital inclusion.
Rana Mashhood said these initiatives would create greater opportunities for youth across the Commonwealth, particularly in small states and vulnerable communities.
He also underscored the importance of preserving the institutional identity of the Commonwealth Youth Programme while strengthening collaboration within the Secretariat, stressing that governance arrangements and dedicated funding mechanisms should remain protected and any future reforms should be undertaken through consensus among member states.
Concluding the meeting, Rana Mashhood reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment, as co-chair of the CYMTF, to working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and member countries to finalize a balanced, inclusive and future oriented strategic framework for Commonwealth youth.
