On October 12th, 2023, an event was held to celebrate the potential and power of youth in shaping the future: “Tomorrow’s Trailblazers: Youth Skills for a Changing World,” the event was an inspiring beacon of collaboration and commitment to youth empowerment. It was organized on Youth Skills Day in collaboration between UNDP, SDGs Support Unit Sindh, Govt of Sindh, Artistic Milliners, and Fahmida Begum Foundation. The event brought together distinguished guests, remarkable organizations, and passionate individuals dedicated to preparing the young generation for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
During the event, Ms. Rida Amjad Mirza, Communication Officer of SDGs Support Unit, Sindh, shared insights into their work and emphasized the importance of partnerships and initiatives that bring us closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Umrani, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization at Ziauddin University, spoke about the university’s incredible work in equipping the youth with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Education and innovation were at the forefront of their mission.
Sheeza Zahid, the Founder and CEO of ‘Her Sahulat,’ enriched the audience with her dedication to empowering women economically and improving their health and well-being, inspiring youth on women’s empowerment. Moon Aamir, the CEO of Innoval Technologies, shared his entrepreneurial journey and the impact he has made in the tech world. His story served as a testament to the boundless potential that young individuals possess.
Mr. Syed Nawab and Mr. Azan Sarwar, representatives of Artistic Milliners, elucidated the company’s commitment to empowering youth through skill development and creating growth opportunities. Mr. Azan Sarwar also talked about youth empowerment and self-reflection during his session. Mr. Talib Uz Zaman, the Managing Director of the Fahmida Begum Foundation, highlighted their remarkable work in education, women’s empowerment, and reducing inequality. Their belief in investing in the youth as an investment in the future was heartening.
Mr. Ken Lim, the Chief Business Officer of ReSkills, introduced their innovative online learning platform that transforms education and provides affordable access to digital learning. He spoke about their vital contribution to youth skill development in Sindh through their CSR programs in collaboration with UNDP, SDGs Support Unit Sindh, Govt of Sindh.
The panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Shehzer Amir Shaikh, brought together experts from diverse fields to discuss the future of skills development in social, environmental, and other areas. The panelists included Ms. Mehak Masood, Head of Sustainability & ESG, Artistic Milliners, Ms. Hameeda Kaleem, Gender Expert, Fahmida Begum Foundation, Professor Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder, Vice Chancellor, Ziauddin University, Dr. Kamran Ahmed Soomro, Director, Thinkers Tribe, Mr. Qanwar Waseem, Provincial Secretary, Pakistan Red Crescent Society, and Mr. Muhammad Amjad, CEO, Electrocon. Their insights were invaluable in understanding how different sectors can play a pivotal role in shaping the future and the important skills youth can learn to better their future.
The event on Youth Skills Day in Sindh demonstrated the commitment of individuals and organizations to empower the youth and align their efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals. The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and inspiration, reminding us that the youth are the future and investing in their skills and potential is an investment in a better, more sustainable world.
