ISLAMABAD: The 5th Interactive Youth Forum, a collaborative effort by the Institute for Social and Youth Development (ISYD), YPEER Pakistan, Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Secours Islamique France (SIF), Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), UNFPA Pakistan, AccountabilityLab Pakistan, Artivism Academy, and Milkar, unfolded successfully at The Millennium Universal College (TMUC) Islamabad on March 7, 2024, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Kicking off with opening remarks by Jayaa Jaggi, Director of Programs at ISYD, the event promised a day of insightful discussions and exchanges. Fatima Yaseen, Program Associate at ISYD, outlined the forum’s objectives, emphasizing ISYD’s pivotal role in empowering youth across diverse thematic areas.
Renowned transgender rights activist and entrepreneur, Maya Zaman, delivered a motivational monologue, sharing her journey and emphasizing the power of resilience. Dr. Yasmin Qazi, Senior Country Advisor to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, sent a powerful video message underscoring the need for empowering adolescents and youth, emphasizing access to healthcare information and services.
Panel 1, moderated by Ms. Hina Fatima from SIF, focused on “Empowering Adolescents and Youth” in areas like gender equality, life skills-based education, health, wellbeing, climate action, and sustainable change. Panelists, including environmentalist Hajra Qadeer, UNFPA’s Rabia Pasha, Rahul Joshua from Support Children, and Chocolate from Dareecha, engaged in dynamic discussions.
Abia Akram, founder of the National Forum of Women with Disabilities in Pakistan, delivered a motivational monologue highlighting the resilience of women with disabilities. Panel 2, moderated by Jayaa Jaggi, explored “Leadership and Collaboration to Foster Partnerships for Impact,” with panelists discussing collaborative leadership, impactful partnerships, and community development.
Ms. Ayesha Rehman, Founder of DIA, delivered another motivational monologue, sharing her journey as a youth and disability rights activist. Uzma Yaqoob, Executive Director of FDI, delivered a keynote session on youth, gender equality, and climate action.
Panel 3 focused on menstrual health and management, moderated by Ms. Fatima Jaffar from ITA. Guest Speaker Ms. Latika Maskey Pradhan, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Pakistan, emphasized youth empowerment, life skills-based education, and collaboration for achieving sustainable development goals.
The forum ended with an award ceremony, recognizing contributions to the event’s success, and a musical performance, leaving attendees inspired. Joshua Dilawar from ISYD concluded the event with gratitude to participants, speakers, and partner organizations, marking the 5th Interactive Youth Forum as a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and youth empowerment.
