Youth Engagement, Leadership and Participation for Transparency and Inclusive Governance
Youth Engagement, Leadership and Participation for Transparency and Inclusive Governance
Venue: Sanatzar Hall, Multan
Multan
Dated: 8th-06-2023
On 8th June 2023, Transparency International Pakistan, in partnership with Roshni Welfare Organization, successfully organized capacity building workshop named “Youth Engagement, Leadership and Participation for Transparency and Inclusive Governance” in Sanatzar Hall, District Multan. Representative from Transparency International Pakistan, Mr. Ashfaque Ahmed was also present at the session.
The primary objective of the workshop was to empower young individuals to actively participate in governance processes and promote transparency and inclusivity in their communities and the wider society. The session was attended by 35 individuals including 10 males and 25 females. Miss Samia Kanwal (MEAL Officer and Stage Secretary) welcomed the participants and explained the objective of Capacity Building Workshop. Samia Kanwal introduce to the Roshni and work. She described the goal, aim, vision and achievements of Roshni welfare organization. She welcomed the speakers on the stage to Mr. Zahid Zahoor (Executive Director of Roshni Welfare Organization), Miss. Zahra Sajjad Zaidi (Social Activist and Advocate), Mr. Ashfaque Ahmed (Project Coordinator, Transparency International Pakistan), Mr. Jawad Amin Qurashi (Social Activist and Media Person), Miss. Zahida Khan (CEO Pakistan Human Development Foundation) joined the stage and shared the Leadership skills and role of youth in transparent and inclusive Governance, Political Participation of youth ,and concepts of Good Governance. Community representatives, Youth Volunteers from 5 union councils participates in the workshop, Basti Thirajan, Basti Islampura, Basti Sialkot, Muhammad Pur Ghota and Tareen Colony.
After the recitation of Holy Quran, Mr. Zahid Zahoor (Executive Director of Roshni Welfare Organization) introduced the TI Pakistan, and corruptions issues which exists in the society. Mr. Ashfaque Ahmed gave an overview of Transparency International Pakistan and its role in advancing youth participation and concept of transparent & inclusive governance and Right to Information Act.
Moving on, Miss. Zahra Sajjad Zaidi (Social Activist and Advocate) discussed the Youth Empowerment through Political Participation and overview of Punjab Youth Policy and recommendation for improve implementation. She told participants that Punjab Youth Policy was established in 2012 and since then not much has been done in this area. She said it’s important that every young individual are aware about their rights, constitution of Pakistan, laws and regulation.
Following that, Miss Zahida Khan, the CEO of PHDF (Pakistan Human Development Foundation), delivered a comprehensive session on leadership skills and the crucial role of youth in promoting transparent and inclusive governance. Initially, she provided a clear understanding of inclusive governance and transparency to the participants, elucidating these concepts through various examples and sharing her own experiences. Subsequently, she emphasized different types and styles of leadership, emphasizing the significance of youth engagement in fostering inclusive governance. She emphasized that it is imperative for the younger generation to possess a thorough awareness of their rights, roles, and responsibilities before actively participating in politics. She highlighted that a staggering 97% of young people lack familiarity with significant policies such as the Punjab Youth Policy, the Right to Information Act of 2013, and the principles of inclusive governance. She urged young leaders to actively engage in politics to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
Afterwards, Breakout Discussion started, participants were evolved into 5 groups, and were given the task to share the community issues which they prefer to resolve at essential basis. All participants fully participated in the group discussion and presentation. The following issues discussed in the breakout discussion:
- Lack of awareness and participation in politics and decision making at local level, of young individual including girls and boys
- Lack the access of girls towards resources and opportunities
- Lack of education opportunities
After the issues identification, as a group, they gave presentation giving suggestions to resolve these issues at grass root level.
Mr. Jawad Amin Qurashi, a prominent social activist, and media personality concluded the workshop with his insightful remarks on leadership skills and the vital role of youth in promoting transparent and inclusive governance. He particularly emphasized the significance of youth empowerment through political participation and highlighted the importance of the Right to Information Act of 2013. According to Mr. Qurashi, youth empowerment holds utmost importance as they are the future leaders and catalysts for societal change. Recognizing their leadership potential and responsibilities, he underscored the fundamental role of political participation in fostering inclusive governance.
Lastly, Maryam Iqbal concluded the event by expressing her hope that all participants, as youth representatives, would be able to emerge as active citizens and actively engage in politics. She encouraged them to embrace their role in shaping the future and ensuring their meaningful participation in political processes.
