ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs Usman Dar has said the formation of Youth Development Index (YDI) will necessitate gathering of important data on youth, which will be utilised for better policy making in the future.
Dar was chairing a meeting regarding formation of Youth Development Index to focus on modalities for establishing the Youth Development Index for guiding and gauging youth development related measures in the country. The meeting was also attended by representatives of UNDP, UNFPA and Ministry of Planning, Reform and Special Initiatives.
Dar said that Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Programme is the flagship initiative of the present government which aims true youth development in Pakistan. He stressed that Youth Development Index (YDI) will help the government and development partners to assess impacts of their interventions.
“Establishment of Youth Index level reflects our commitment and seriousness towards development of Pakistani youth”, underlined Dar. He informed the meeting that working towards the Youth Development Index will serve as a baseline survey by providing important data on the youth and will also identify areas crucial for youth development.
“Once these dimensions are objectively identified, we can focus on interventions required for development of our youth,” he emphasised.
Dar regretted that Pakistan’s poor position at Commonwealth Youth Development Index reflects the lack of vision and seriousness by the previous governments.
“How can one assess the situation and make effective policies in absence of a youth index in the country?” he asked. He further said that YDI will promote positive competition among provinces and regions of the country regarding measures for development of the youth.
The representatives from UNDP and UNFPA assured the meeting for extending support in setting up YDI that will greatly assist and guide future interventions aiming youth development in Pakistan. It was agreed to hold follow up meetings after initial working by relevant partners and stakeholders.
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