Pakistan is the Fifth-largest youth country in the world, with 60 percent of youth under 30. According to a study by the Pakistan Institute of Economic Development (PIDE), 31 percent of youth is unemployed. Currently, the youth of Pakistan is facing significant challenges like a lack of opportunities, limited career counseling options, mental health issues, and flaws in the educational system. These rising challenges have created frustration and stress among the youth, which can be seen as a lack of acceptance, resentment, and hostility in their behavior and on social media platforms. In order to overcome these challenges, there should be a platform that brings together youth from all over Pakistan, trains them in civic education, constitutional rights, and conflict resolution, and provides them with mitigation and negotiation techniques.

The Pakistan Emerging Leadership Initiative has given special attention to civic education and constitutional rights, and conflict resolution. Students and professionals from all over Pakistan joined this program. This particular effort has contributed to enhancing social inclusion, harmony, cohesion, and diversity. Accountability Lab has ensured that the program remains inclusive and does not filter out any specific gender or community. AL was overwhelmed to observe the participation from all over Pakistan’s public, private, and religious educational institutes. The main purpose of this program is to create opportunities through social action plans, build professional networks, and discuss the potential challenges faced by the youth of Pakistan. It provides an equal opportunity and platform to all diverse communities in Pakistan. This initiative has a wide range of programs, such as training workshops, mentoring sessions, and Social Action Plans.

Al has officially initiated this program and has conducted training workshop and mentoring sessions. The program has enabled the participants to engage in discussions and prepares them to play a more significant role in their communities. Some of our program participants from all over Pakistan shared their thoughts with us regarding the training workshop. Let’s have a look at their experiences!

Lal Rai (student): “I had the opportunity to attend the Pakistan Emerging Leadership Initiative workshop. From the moment I stepped in, everyone around me welcomed and supported me. The facilitators were extremely knowledgeable and could not have done more to ensure that each participant could grasp all the concepts discussed. During proactive activities like interactive discussions, we got an insight into what authentic leadership is really about, the issues of Pakistan, and how we can build sustainable and impactful solutions. Attending the Pakistan Emerging Leadership Initiative workshop was one of the most incredible experiences ever. It was truly eye-opening to be surrounded by many talented, motivated, and passionate individuals from different backgrounds. All of us shared common goals for our future.”

Anwisha Saleem (Journalist):  “Through interactive activities and detailed discussions, the program provided me with a unique opportunity to interact with diverse ideas and professionals. It helped me gain valuable insights not only into my own field’s latest trends and practices but also others’. The Pakistan Emerging Leadership Initiative Program equipped me with the skills and knowledge to positively impact my community.”

Tariq Hussain (Student): “The recent workshop on leadership, critical thinking, conflict resolution, civic education, management, and mitigation was an incredible experience. It equipped me with practical tools to effectively lead and communicate and manage a team, resolve conflicts, and mitigate challenges.”

Zareen Rajput (Transgender Rights Activist) :“I have thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot in a comfortable environment. The techniques taught at the workshop healed and helped me overcome some of my emotional and even physical pain. I am excited to share and transfer knowledge to others, specifically the transgender community. The workshop was a unique experience, unlike any other sessions I have regularly attended. The training workshop was easy to understand, enjoyable, and profoundly powerful. I am glad to have had this excellent learning experience.”

Somal Ghafoor (Social Activist and Gender Advocate): “Joining the Pakistan Emerging Leaders Initiative was an exciting opportunity, as I had the chance to meet like-minded individuals who shared my passion for social causes. Interacting with these unique and diverse minds gave me new perspectives on issues that I thought were ordinary. This experience taught me that being a leader is not just about speaking out but also about patiently listening to others and accepting their perspectives on promoting peace which is essential for our society.”

Zakir Ullah Khan (Founder, Youth for Rural Peace and Development):“Pakistan Emerging Leaders Initiative was a rigorous activity where we learned conflict identification, mitigation, and transformation. It was a wonderful opportunity to build long-lasting friendships. It was a unique experience for me because I learned a lot about peacebuilding strategies. I am enthusiastic about sharing my experiences from these activities with the youth of my area.”

*This Blog post is written by Zohra Khatoon. She is the Research and Communications Associate at Accountability Lab Pakistan.