Islamabad (GNP): The inaugural ceremony of the SDG Youth Campaign/Training titled *“Hum Hain Pakistan” was held at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the auspices of the SDG Parliamentary Task Force. The ceremony brought together parliamentarians, educational leaders, development partners, students, and representatives from various institutions to promote youth engagement and awareness regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq , in his opening remarks, emphasized the critical role of youth participation in parliamentary procedures, democratic governance, and sustainable development.Addressing the participants, the Speaker stated that the SDGs Secretariat was established as a focused and facilitative institution aimed at strengthening coordination between federal and provincial legislative bodies while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals across Pakistan.
He highlighted the efforts undertaken to ensure uniformity of laws and institutional development among all provinces. He shared that the National Assembly has trained provincial legislative units for the establishment of various parliamentary caucuses, including Women Caucuses and Child Rights Caucuses, which are now functional in all provincial assemblies.
Referring to the 2024 Speakers’ Conference, the Speaker noted that the conference played a significant role in building liaison and cooperation among provincial assemblies and legislative institutions throughout the country. He stressed the importance of creating stronger linkages between federal universities and provincial educational institutions to promote research collaboration, youth engagement, and volunteerism.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq encouraged students, research associates, and young volunteers to actively contribute towards national development and sustainable progress. He also appreciated the contribution of Honourable Maryam Aurangzeb in making youth-centered SDG initiatives more active and impactful.
Shaista Pervaiz Convener SDGs stated that the “Hum Hain Pakistan” initiative was launched with the vision of transforming students from passive learners into active partners in national development. She emphasized that sustainable development can only be achieved when young people are equipped with awareness, leadership skills, civic responsibility, and practical opportunities to contribute towards their communities.
She further noted that the campaign would promote student-led projects, mentorship opportunities, institutional SDG focal persons, and community engagement to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals become a lived reality for Pakistan’s youth.
During the event, Dr. Sultan Azam Temuri, Founding Director/CEO of the International Governance and Sustainability Institute (IG-SI), delivered a comprehensive presentation on the “Hum Hain Pakistan” SDG Youth Campaign and Training initiative.
He explained that the campaign is a structured youth-led initiative designed to institutionalize SDG education and action across schools, colleges, and universities in Islamabad through a “Learning + Action” model. The initiative aims to transform students from passive learners into active change-makers.
The campaign is being spearheaded by the SDG Parliamentary Task Force in collaboration with the International Governance and Sustainability Institute (IG-SI), United Peacekeepers Federal Council (UNPKFC), and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s five-year National Economic Transformation Plan, “Uraan Pakistan,” built around the 5E framework: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity & Empowerment. By integrating SDG awareness with practical implementation, the campaign seeks to support Pakistan’s progress toward the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, stated that it was encouraging to see public school principals at the centre of the dialogue, as they are the real drivers of meaningful educational transformation. He observed that while students in many private institutions have become increasingly familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the same opportunities have not reached a large number of public school students across Pakistan.
He emphasized that bridging this gap is the core purpose of the “Hum Hain Pakistan” initiative. Barrister Danyal Chaudhry remarked that principals possess firsthand understanding of the realities within classrooms and communities, and their practical insights are essential to transforming SDG awareness from policy into action.
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He urged educational leaders to help make SDGs simpler, relatable, and more teachable for students. He also appreciated the participation of parliamentarians from all provinces and stressed that the initiative must extend beyond the federal level and be replicated across every province with equal commitment and ownership, ensuring that every Pakistani child can understand, believe in, and contribute toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Among the distinguished participants present at the ceremony were Honourable Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, Syed Ali Qasim Gilani, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Maj. (R) Tahir Iqbal, Syed Hafeezuddin, Mr. Sher Ali Arbab, and Ms. Mehtab Akbar Rashdi.
