Lahore, August 11, 2023 (PPI-OT):It is widely acknowledged that youth represent a significant proportion of the population in Pakistan, comprising approximately 63% of the total demographic. With this in mind, it is imperative to recognise the importance of youth participation in the policymaking process in Pakistan. To promote democratic values, encourage social progress, and ensure a sustainable future for the country, the active involvement of young people in the decision-making process is paramount.
Involving youth in policymaking not only fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility but also promotes a more diverse and representative approach to policy development. The inclusion of young people in policy planning ensures that the voices of the next generation, who will be most affected by the policies, are heard and valued. It provides an opportunity for them to develop their leadership skills, gain real-world experience in governance, and contribute to their communities and the country at large.
In line with this notion, the Young Peace and Development Corps (YPDC) University of Lahore’S chapter hosted the 4th Pakistan National Policymaking Competition (PNPC) in collaboration with YPDC Pakistan, a project of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The event, which ran from August 4-6, 2023, attracted 40 teams from across the country. They competed in five categories based on the 5Es framework for achieving Vision 2025, namely Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure and Equity and Empowerment.
The competition offered a platform for the talented youth of Pakistan to display their innovative ideas and make valuable contributions to the growth and development of the country. In each category, a single winning team was chosen based on their proposals for addressing significant challenges and opportunities in their respective thematic area.
Mr Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, graced the occasion as the chief guest during the opening ceremony of the competition. He shared his visionary perspective on the 5Es, inspiring the youth to actively participate in developing solutions that pave the way for a brighter future for our nation. The closing ceremony was graced by Dr Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor BNU, Lahore. Dr Yusuf spoke about the importance of empowering the youth, urging them to take an instrumental role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future, both for themselves and their country.
Super Nova from the Lahore School of Economics (LSE), Lahore, emerged as the winning team in the Energy category. Their proposal showcased a profound comprehension of the energy-related challenges confronting the country. They put forth a comprehensive plan to augment energy production capacity and delve into renewable energy sources to foster sustainable development.
The Exports category victors were Markhor from BUITEMS in Quetta. Their proposal centered on enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Pakistani products in the global market, aiming to boost export revenue. Additionally, they emphasized the significance of fostering local industries and cultivating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
The E-Pakistan category champion was Health Up from DOW University in Karachi. Their groundbreaking proposal sought to leverage digital technology in enhancing access to crucial public services like healthcare and education. Their profound grasp of technology’s potential to uplift lives and foster a digitally advanced society was truly remarkable.
The Equity category was won by the Progressive Islamists from the International Islamic University in Islamabad. Their proposal aimed to tackle socio-economic inequalities among various social groups in Pakistan. They presented innovative solutions to foster equal opportunities and level the playing field for the country’s youth.
The Armada team from Kinnaird College in Lahore emerged victorious in the Environment category. Their proposal addressed the urgent concerns of environmental conservation and sustainable development in Pakistan. They shed light on the myriad environmental challenges the country faces, such as pollution and deforestation, and presented innovative and impactful solutions to foster sustainability.
The 4th Pakistan National Policymaking Competition concluded with resounding success, providing a remarkable platform for Pakistani youth to showcase their innovative ideas and contribute to the growth and development of the country. The winning teams demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in their respective thematic areas, presenting creative and effective solutions to address them. Undoubtedly, this competition has played a pivotal role in inspiring the youth to actively shape a sustainable and prosperous future for themselves and their nation.
For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uol.edu.pk