Today marked the beginning of an official visit by the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi, to Pakistan. During the first day of his visit, the Envoy engaged with the United Nations Country Team, civil society, government officials, youth leaders and representatives to further the discussion on youth priorities. In Islamabad, Alhendawi met with the UN Country Team in Pakistan to discuss the establishment of Task Force on Youth. He also met with the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, to discuss strengthening of the implementation and coordination of youth policies within the country. The Envoy noted the 66 years of cooperation between Pakistan and the United Nations, and expressed his hope that the country will join the Youth delegate programme, an idea that was supported by the Adviser.

The Envoy later met with the Adolescent Girls Task Force (AGTF) and discussed ways to support leadership for young girls. He also met with youth representatives.

The Envoy with a group of young Pakistanis after a very productive interactive discussion on the needs and challenges of youth in the country.

The Envoy with a group of young Pakistanis after a very productive interactive discussion on the needs and challenges of youth in the country.

The Envoy with a group of young Pakistanis after a productive interactive discussion on the needs and challenges of youth in the country.

Later in the day, Alhendawi engaged with the Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada. The Envoy and the Minister discussed coordination of youth policies at the federal level, with the Envoy highlighting the support provided by the United Nations to all provinces when formulating policies at their level.

The day concluded with Alhendawi attending an art exhibit opening.

Art Exhibition Opening. Photo credit: UNICEF/Asad Zaidi

Art Exhibition Opening. Photo credit: UNICEF/Asad Zaidi

Art exhibit opening. Photo credit: UNICEF/Asad Zaidi

Art exhibit opening. Photo credit: UNICEF/Asad Zaidi