Rutgers WPF on Saturday organised a “Youth ASK Leadership” conclave in line with the International Youth Day (IYD) to be observed on August 12.
The two-day event was attended by Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan, notable development sector professionals, media men, psychologists and social activists.
Young people from 19 different cities of Pakistan were selected to represent their communities at the national platform.
The Youth ASK Leadership Conclave provides young people a common platform through which they acquire the knowledge for community leadership that aims to build Young People’s individual capacity to make safe choices, have better access to health facilities and to create an enabling environment for young people free from prejudices, biases and cultural barriers limiting their right to access non-judgmental and non-discriminatory health services.
Speaking at the occasion, Dutch Ambassador Marcel de Vink said, “The Dutch Government and its people are committed towards contributing to the social development of young people in Pakistan.”
“Young people’s right to reproductive health information and services must be ensured to make sure they effectively play their role as the demographic dividend of Pakistan,” he added.
A speaker, Sania Nishtar said, “Pakistan’s youth policy should completely focus on the importance of Sexual and Reproductive health and rights of young people.”
Appreciating the efforts of Rutgers WPF she said, “We need more support for initiatives on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights to safeguard our future, which lies with our young people.”
On the occasion Rutgers WPF Pakistan’s Country Representative Qadeer Baig said that Pakistan’s 60 percent of the population are young people; we need to bridge gaps between decision makers and these young people by providing them platforms and opportunities where their potential can be relieved.
Meanwhile, capacity building sessions were organised during Youth ASK leadership conclave for young people on advocacy, meaningful youth participation, resource mobilisation, leadership and communication skill and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
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