by: TN Media News Pakistan: The 5th Interactive Youth Forum took place on March 7, 2024, at The Millennium Universal College (TMUC) Islamabad, marking a significant moment in youth empowerment. Organized by the Institute for Social and Youth Development (ISYD) and YPEER Pakistan, the forum was held in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Secours Islamique France (SIF), Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), UNFPA Pakistan, Accountability Lab Pakistan, Artivism Academy, and Milkar.
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the event brought together youth leaders, activists, policymakers, and development partners to discuss critical issues affecting young people in Pakistan. The forum focused on empowering adolescents and youth for social transformation.
A Day of Empowerment and Inspiration
The forum began with opening remarks by Jayaa Jaggi, Director Programs at ISYD, who set the tone for a day full of learning and exchange. Fatima Yaseen, Program Associate at ISYD, outlined the event’s objectives, highlighting ISYD’s commitment to youth development.
One of the day’s most inspiring moments came from Maya Zaman, a renowned transgender rights activist and entrepreneur. She shared her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the power of breaking social barriers.
Addressing Youth Health and Rights
A special video message from Dr. Yasmin Qazi, Senior Country Advisor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focused on the importance of youth empowerment in healthcare. She highlighted the need for better access to information and services related to sexual and reproductive health.
Dynamic Panel Discussions
Panel 1: Gender Equality, Health, and Climate Action: The first panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Hina Fatima from SIF, centered on gender equality, life skills-based education, climate action, and sustainable change.
Panelists included:
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Hajra Qadeer Environmentalist, Rabia Pasha Programme Officer, Adolescents & Youth SRHR, UNFPA, Rahul Joshua Manager Operations, Support Children, Chocolate Data Entry Officer, Dareecha
They shared strategies for empowering youth, promoting inclusion, and fostering life skills for societal impact.
Panel 2: Leadership and Collaboration for Social Impact
Moderated by Jayaa Jaggi, the second panel focused on collaborative leadership and partnership building.
Speakers included:
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Altaf Abro Head of Mission, SIF, Sadia Atta Development Practitioner, Farhan Khalid Senior Programs Manager, Accountability Lab Pakistan, Aniqa Haider CEO, Zaidi Foundation
This session explored effective partnership models, strategic philanthropy, and resource sharing to maximize social impact.
Panel 3: Breaking the Menstrual Health Taboo
The third panel, led by Fatima Jaffar from ITA, addressed menstrual health and management (MHM). Panelists discussed the importance of breaking taboos surrounding menstruation and promoting health education.
Participants included:
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Ruhi Ghani Senior Psychologist, Tayyaba Abbasi Advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Muatar Representative, FPAP, Fouzia Kalsoom Rana Journalist, Insha Tarim Program Manager, ITA
Fatima Jaffar also highlighted the success of the “Young Omang” project, which promotes menstrual health awareness at the grassroots level.
Inspiring Monologues and Keynote Sessions
Several motivational speakers added depth to the event:
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Abia Akram, Founder of the National Forum of Women with Disabilities, shared her journey of advocating for women with disabilities.
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Ayesha Rehman, Founder of DIA, delivered a moving monologue on youth and disability rights, calling for equality and dignity for all.
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Uzma Yaqoob, Executive Director of FDI, presented a keynote session focusing on youth leadership, gender equality, and climate action, connecting these themes to International Women’s Day and the Aurat March.
Youth Leadership Recognized
The event concluded with an award distribution ceremony honoring forum ambassadors and the management team for their dedication. A captivating musical performance closed the day, leaving attendees motivated to continue driving social change.
Joshua Dilawar, from ISYD, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all partners, speakers, and participants for making the 5th Interactive Youth Forum a resounding success.
A Platform for Positive Change
The forum served as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and youth empowerment. Through engaging sessions and inspiring stories, participants were encouraged to lead change and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
