ISLAMABAD
Experts at a high-level policy seminar on challenges to prevailing adolescents and youth population underscored the need for disaster-resistant healthcare infrastructure, integrating energy-efficient designs and renewable energy sources.
The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) hosted a high-level seminar in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on “Pakistan in 2047: Opportunities and Challenges for Present Age Adolescents and Youth and Future Human Capital in Pakistan” to discuss strategies for harnessing the potential of Pakistan’s youth, who make up more than 60% of the population.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, and experts to deliberate on key areas such as education, health, climate resilience, and social protection.
Speaking on healthcare strategies, Sector Specialist, Health, Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Dr. Jasim Anwar emphasized shifting from a reactive tertiary-care model to a preventive approach, ensuring early screenings and nutritional interventions to reduce the healthcare burden.
On the occasion, Dr. Razia Safdar, Senior Advisor, Center for Health Policy and Innovation, SDPI highlighted SDPI’s latest report on youth development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies addressing education, health, climate resilience, digital inclusion, and social protection. She stressed that cross-sectoral partnerships between government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector are key to maximizing Pakistan’s youth dividend.
Dr. Saima Nazir, Director Research & Policy Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Conservation addressed the role of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) policies in public health, particularly in marginalized communities. She noted that the Ministry of Climate Change is actively collaborating with UNICEF and other international stakeholders to integrate climate resilience into WASH policies and enhance water sustainability practices across Pakistan.
Dr. Akhlaq Ahmed, Associate Professor, Dept of Sociology, University of the Punjab, Lahore emphasized that the social protection initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and Ehsaas Program were facing constraints to comprehensively address the socio-economic needs of vulnerable populations.
He pointed out the increasing trend of youth migration, calling for targeted interventions to improve employment opportunities and restore confidence in the country’s future.
Dr. Mehreen Mujtaba, Director of Climate, Health, and Nutrition at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination raised concerns over malnutrition and food insecurity, highlighting that 40.2% of children under five suffer from stunting, while maternal anemia remains alarmingly high. She emphasized the need for investments in nutrition programs, including fortification of staple foods, school meal programs, and enhanced dietary education to prepare youth for leadership roles.
She also stressed the impact of climate change on food security, calling for integrated policies to address both issues.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, emphasized that Pakistan’s future depends on the policy decisions made on Tuesday. He called for an integrated approach linking health, education, and climate resilience to ensure sustainable human capital development.
The seminar concluded with a unanimous call for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society to secure a prosperous and resilient future for Pakistan.
