Interview: UN youth envoy for better employment opportunities

Ahmad Alhendawi urges government to increase school enrolment, improve quality of education.

ISLAMABAD:

The United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi has called upon the Pakistan government to invest more in education and create employment opportunities for the youth.

In an interview with The Express Tribune, Alhendawi said the youth are suffering the most in the ongoing conflict in Pakistan. “Therefore, it is essential for the government and the United Nations to develop a holistic approach in order to meet key targets of employment and development in Pakistan.

“Though enrolling children in schools is essential, providing them quality education to get decent jobs is a greater priority which will allow them to meet demands such as access to higher education, health facilities and housing,” said Alhendawi during his first visit to Pakistan.

Alhendawi said the country needs to generate more than 90,000 new jobs every year to meet the emerging employment challenges.

“Children might be enrolled at a school, but they still might not be learning anything,” he remarked.



Alhendawi said that while the government initiatives are encouraging, institutions should strengthen their contribution towards Pakistan, and called for doubling the resources for education.

“Post 18th Amendment, the reposition of youth agenda is aspiring. It, however, needs to be anchored in the right direction through stronger policies and successful implementation at provincial level for favored results. Appreciating the prime minister’s youth loan programme, Alhendawi asked young Pakistanis to start their own businesses instead of relying on government or the private sector for jobs.

“I go back well educated about the youth of Pakistan. I can better advocate and speak for the smiling faces that I have met here. They deserve a better life than this,” said the youth envoy.

The ambassador also said that the United Nations in collaboration with all its agencies is in the process to establish a youth task force, which will create new programmes for youth.

Earlier, Alhendawi addressed a gathering of over 200 young Pakistani representatives at a forum at the International Labor Organization. College students and youngsters from marginalised sectors participated in the interactive session with the youth envoy.

Youngsters shared their views on education, skill development, employment, sexual and reproductive health and their participation in policy making in the country.

“Young people are a source of ideas and inspiration. Pakistan will benefit from harnessing the talent of both its young women and men”, he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2014.