Face mask competition by EU's Pakistan delegation concludes

A face mask design competition was held by European Union (EU) Delegation Pakistan and a virtual ceremony was held on Thursday to celebrate the winners. 

According to a press release, the competition, which was launched on International Youth Day, received an overwhelming response from university students across the country. Contestants were required to design protective face masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The EU is a major partner of Pakistan in its efforts to limit the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic and to address its impact.

EU Ambassador to Pakistan, H E Androulla Kaminara, said, “It was amazing to see the response to the competition and the creativity on display was truly inspiring.”

“Over the past months, face masks have become part of the ‘new normal’ and are vital in stopping the spread of Covid-19. The newly designed masks represent the EU’s solidarity with the people of Pakistan and the EU’s continued support in addressing the impact of the pandemic.”

“Pakistan is a young nation bursting with potential, which is why youth are at the heart of the EU’s work in Pakistan. The EU is committed to support ways to create opportunities for young women and men to realise their potential and build a society that works for all,” Kaminara maintained.

In order to limit the ecological footprint and waste, the masks will be washable and reusable.

The best design proposals were selected through a public vote – and a jury comprising members of the EU Delegation, added the statement. The EU has been at the forefront of the global efforts to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

To assist Pakistan, the EU directed €150 million (to address the short and medium term consequences of the epidemic in the country. This included equipment for hospitals, PPE for front line workers such as police, teachers and doctors, a helpline for women, assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) affected by the lockdown, and many more initiatives.