EU launches initiative to empower youth

With young people facing growing challenges ranging from unemployment and climate vulnerability to limited opportunities for participation in public decision-making, a new €1.2 million initiative, co-funded by the European Union, aims to equip the next generation with the skills, opportunities, and leadership needed to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Pakistan.

Launched in Lahore and Karachi, the project, 'MANZIL (Youth Leadership Transforming Communities for Inclusive Economic Growth, Climate Action and Good Governance)', will directly support approximately 4,000 vulnerable young women and men and strengthen 40 youth-led organisations across Rawalpindi, Lahore, Mirpurkhas, and Sanghar.

The initiative is designed to help young people move beyond being beneficiaries of development programmes to becoming entrepreneurs, climate champions, community leaders, and active partners in local governance.

Pakistan is home to one of the world's largest youth populations, presenting both a significant opportunity and a pressing development challenge. While young people possess the energy and potential to drive economic growth and social progress, many continue to face barriers to employment, entrepreneurship, civic participation, and access to resources.