Skilled path to peace

The Global Peace Index 2024 ranks Pakistan at 140 — ‘Low’ category, teetering close to the ‘Very Low’ category, which begins at rank 147 (Nigeria). In comparison, India stands at 116, Bangladesh at 93 and China at 88, all within the ‘Medium’ category. In the ‘High’ category, the UAE is ranked 53, Oman 37 and Qatar 29. Notably, Malaysia ranks 10 and Singapore 5, both classified as ‘Very High’. Furthermore, data from the PBS reveals a concerning trend: the number of unemployed youth in Pakistan exceeded 3 million in the 2022-23 period, accounting for 61% of the total unemployed workforce in the country. Dark?

Each individual thrives and blossoms within the contours of their environment. In a society where peace prevails, youth serve as the linchpin that paves the way for peaceful sustainable development. But what is peace? Consider this: you take a selfie and post it on Instagram. As the comments/likes begin to pour in, you feel a rush of joy. Yet, are you truly at peace? The answer is no. Joy, with all its vibrant exuberance, is ephemeral. Peace, on the other hand, is a sustained and serene state of being. The young people of Pakistan find themselves ensnared in a web of social media, dedicating countless quality hours to platforms where they critique, praise, or envy others (often over successes that are mere illusions). The future calls for people equipped with skills, for it is this path that ultimately leads to lasting peace and prosperity. We must embrace a new paradigm — where the world prioritises skills over mere qualifications.

In 2014, the UNGA declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day to celebrate the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship. The theme for WYSD 2024 is ‘Youth Skills for Peace and Development’.

Peace is inextricably linked with development. The clichéd antithesis of peace that springs to mind is ‘war’. Many might argue that Pakistan is not in a state of war. Yet, in today’s Pakistan, conflict is not confined to visible battlegrounds; it is a relentless struggle against an unseen enemy that robs our youth of their most precious wealth — their time. This doesn’t mean shunning social media; rather, it calls for engaging with it responsibly. We have recently observed numerous instances where, to prove a point, young people drift away from values, leading to disrespect and misunderstanding. The government must explore initiatives that promote mutual understanding and respect among all faiths and communities.

As we strive forward, are we truly advancing, or are we merely marching, trapped in a cycle of progress? In today’s swiftly evolving global arena, characterised by relentless technological advancements and transformative innovation, the demand for skills has surged. However, let’s revisit the notion of ‘conflict’. Imagine a nation in turmoil where a ceasefire is declared by the government — would that alone bring lasting peace? No. Achieving peace requires addressing underlying issues. It is crucial to diagnose the internal battles our young people face and the external factors that stifle their growth. We often cast blame on the government for failing to provide jobs. However, governments do not create jobs directly; they cultivate an environment where the private sector can thrive and generate employment.

We all focus on ‘Unemployment,’ yet, to me, Unemployability has been a chronic issue in Pakistan. There is a profound dichotomy between unemployment and unemployability. NAVTTC is diligently working to enhance the competitiveness of NVQF, and CBT is now integral to the policy. International partners like GIZ, ILO, ADB and the World Bank have done considerable work in this context, but if the impetus does not come from within, meaningful change will not happen. Solving unemployment isn’t just about creating jobs; it’s about ensuring that people possess the skills and abilities needed to fill those jobs. These skills can be diverse; you do not need jobs to define your worth. Instead, it is your skills that reveal your true value.

On a mission of TVET formulation, I once traversed Pakistan with my foreign team lead, David Pearson. From the fertile plains of Punjab to the rugged terrains of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; from the bustling ports of Sindh to the arid landscapes of Balochistan; from the majestic mountains of Gilgit to the verdant valleys of Swat, and finally, to the heart of the nation, Islamabad, David posed a singular question to all stakeholders: “What do you mean by Centre of Excellence?” Intriguingly, no two responses were the same. The term, meant to signify the pinnacle of expertise and innovation, remained a mantra repeated without comprehension. This journey across Pakistan underscored a critical gap in the understanding and implementation of vocational excellence. Our mission illuminated the path ahead — not just in formulating plans but in fostering a deeper comprehension of what it means to be a beacon of innovation and skill in a rapidly evolving world. In a world where the quest for instant gratification reigns supreme, our youth has conflated temporary delights with the profound sense of peace. This confusion mirrors how stakeholders varied in their definitions of excellence.

It’s time to awaken and observe the direction in which our neighbours and the world are moving. “Chalo Dubai” needs a new definition. We must ensure that everyone venturing abroad is equipped with valuable skills — striving to diversify our expertise. We must redefine our journey: from basic education to technical mastery, from real estate ventures to vocational training, from traditional employment to self-employment/freelancing, from addressing unemployment to tackling unemployability, and from looking towards the Middle East to exploring opportunities in Europe.

Remember the story of Hemingway’s Santiago, an aging fisherman who had gone 84 days without catching a fish? Determined to end his streak of bad luck, Santiago sets out alone into the Gulf Stream and hooks a giant marlin. After an exhausting three-day battle, although he returns to shore with little tangible reward, Santiago’s journey is a testament to his skill. Let’s not fall for the easy palliatives of life, but to make our own skilled paths. As UNESCO-UNEVOC celebrates this day, I hope that the youth of Pakistan have a voice in shaping their future. Happy Youth Skills Day to both the young people and the policymakers of Pakistan.

The path is illuminated by the skills we possess.

Let’s Light the Dark!