Islamabad, Nov 21: In a landmark achievement, 700 young people from Kurram and Orakzai districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have been equipped with market-driven vocational and technical skills under a programme supported by the Government of Japan.
This transformative initiative, executed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), was celebrated at a closing ceremony held in Islamabad.
Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Mr. Rana Mashood, emphasized the programme’s focus on women’s empowerment, noting, “I am delighted that 375 women were trained under this initiative.
On behalf of Pakistan, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Japan, UNDP, and SRSP for their impactful work in remote areas.”
The programmed also featured a grand dialogue on “Climate Adaptation and Girls’ Education”, highlighting the link between youth leadership and climate resilience.
Ms. Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, lauded the collaboration, stating, “This initiative empowers young women and men, fostering gender-sensitive economic recovery and long-term stability in the region.”
Mr. ITO Takeshi, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan, reiterated Japan’s commitment to inclusive development, saying, “Our partnership with UNDP is guided by the principle of ‘Leave No One Behind.’ Through this programmed, women are now taking active roles in social cohesion and economic stability.”
Part of a larger $4.1 million project, this initiative aims to stabilize Kurram and Orakzai districts by focusing on social cohesion, governance, and livelihoods.
The project is expected to benefit over 200,000 people, with women constituting 50% of the beneficiaries, heralding a new era of resilience and empowerment in KP.
For additional information, please contact:
- Ms. Fizza Bangash, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pakistan, fizza.bangash@undp.org or +92 (51) 835 5631
- Mr. Sajid Abbasi, Senior Special Advisor, Press and Information, Embassy of Japan in Islamabad sajid.abbasi@ib.mofa.go.jp or +92 333 5117 548
