Pakistan Leads the Charge for Youth Empowerment at Major Commonwealth Forum
kuala Lumpur — Pakistan reaffirmed its leadership in global youth empowerment as Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan delivered opening remarks at the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force (CYMTF) Meeting, held at the International Youth Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Chairman joined virtually, while his delegation participated.
In his address, Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan praised the Commonwealth Secretariat for its continued dedication to strengthening youth development across 56 member states. He noted that the CYMTF meeting follows the successful 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (10CYMM) in London, held under the theme “Aiming Higher: Delivering More for Young People in the Commonwealth.”
As Co-Chair of the Task Force, he emphasized that CYMTF is the central platform for accountability, collaboration, and progress—turning Marlborough House Commitments, CYMM mandates, and CHOGM youth resolutions into measurable, practical outcomes. Highlighting the significance of the Commonwealth Year of Youth (2023–2024), he stressed that young people must be treated as equal partners in shaping the global future.
The Chairman underlined Pakistan’s strong national commitment to empowering young people through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, built around education, employment, entrepreneurship, climate responsibility, and active youth engagement. He reaffirmed that youth investment remains essential for sustainable national development.
During the meeting, Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted Commonwealth priorities such as bridging the digital divide, improving access to technology, promoting youth participation in governance, accelerating climate action, and boosting youth-led environmental initiatives. He also emphasized the importance of professionalizing youth work and expanding non-formal learning opportunities. He called for enhanced cooperation among governments, civil society, private sector, and regional bodies including SAARC, ASEAN, CARICOM, the African Union, and the Pacific Community to strengthen South–South partnerships.
He also discussed Pakistan’s successful hosting of the CAYA Youth Summit Islamabad 2025, which gathered participants from 12 countries and resulted in key milestones:
- Launch of Pakistan’s National Youth Council
- Establishment of the CAYA Secretariat in Pakistan
- Adoption of the Islamabad Youth Declaration emphasizing innovation, inclusion, and sustainability
He noted that PMYP representatives , MNA and focal person syeda Amnah Batool and Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik would be representing me during the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial meeting.
In conclusion, Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with all Commonwealth members to create meaningful opportunities for the 1.6 billion young people across the Commonwealth, aiming for a peaceful, prosperous, and youth-empowered future.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
