LAHORE – A consultative meeting was organized here today at Faletti’s Hotel, in preparation of the 25th anniversary of the ground breaking International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) by Young Omang and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The consultative meeting articulated the Civil Society Organisations’ ICPD+25 agenda, focusing on Pakistani youth. The specific objective of the meeting was to assess the progress made over the past 25 years in Pakistan post ICPD and to develop recommendations for government’s agreement to national commitments that reflect realities and urgent needs of Pakistan’s population and development issues.
The participating delegates of the meeting included representatives of civil society, youth organizations, population welfare and youth affairs departments from across the provinces. Meeting objectives & presentation on ICPD+25 were highlighted by Noor Imran from Bargad, sharing some of the results that have come out of their work with UNFPA in different provinces.
Dr Muhammad Nazimuddin, President, Population Association of Pakistan (PAP): “People are rejoicing that this is the 25th Anniversary, but we need to know what is the unfinished agenda, that needs to be followed. First thing Pakistan needs to do, using national and international sources is to meet the unmet need for education and health services. We need to build schools in every village. Unfortunately, we did not invest in this development and this has led to massive unemployment. Skills development institutes are required to train youth. We have to drastically change education and health department. This is a consultative process that is happening in UN. Let us work together for achieving SGDs 2030.”
A panel discussion followed after this which was lead by Ms Nabila Malick from UN Women to get recommendations from the participants for the Nairobi conference.
Mr AfzalSulehri, Director Youth Directorate, Youth Affairs and Sports, Balochistan:
“We can achieve anything if we are sincere in our purpose. Our youth is exceptionally talented but they do not have the right direction. Effective counselling can help solve many issues if we all join hands.”
Dr ShakirQayoomKhanzada Additional Secretary/Director Youth Affairs. Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Sindh:
“Almost all commitments of Cairo summit relate to youth. Use digital platforms to spread awareness. Social taboos should be gotten rid of through introducing direct or indirect knowledge about population in syllabus in our schools. Active involvement on social media is the need of the hour.”
RasheedaPanezai, President Family Planning Association of Pakistan, Rahnuma:
“Youth must not get despondent, hopeless or dissuaded. Skills development is the need of the hour so youth can feel empowered. We are very hopeful that one day we will achieve our goal. Give your input, take to social media to talk about your issues.”
Mr Shoaib Ahmed Shahzad, Technical Assistant, UNFPA:
“Youth needs to realise that the change needs to come from within them first. Learn how to become part of live session to get information. Get registered and spread awareness on social media.”
Recommendations from participants:
Some recommendations included appointment of psychiatrists and health care workers for the transgender community. Needs of special persons need to be taken care of.
Skills based education should be introduced in all institutions. Grooming of our social circles and discussion of taboo topics in school classes should be introduced. Measures need to be taken to get legislation made for all of the above.
The consultative meeting proved to be a huge success which brought to light some of the significant issues in form of recommendations for the ICPD+25 Nairobi session, from key players in the field of population and youth development in Pakistan.
