ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, co-chaired the Special Meeting of the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force (CYMTF), reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to advancing a forward-looking Commonwealth Youth Programme that reflects the aspirations and evolving needs of young people across Commonwealth member states. The virtual session, which was co-chaired by Hon. Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai, Minister of Family and Social Affairs of Samoa, brought together representatives of Commonwealth member countries and the Commonwealth Secretariat to review the draft Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Strategic Framework (2026–2030), consider feedback from member states, and discuss the future direction of the Programme.

The meeting also received updates on preparations for the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the Commonwealth Youth Council, and the 11th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting. In his opening remarks, the Chairman of PMYP welcomed participants and appreciated member states for their active engagement in the consultative process. He noted that the discussions reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that Commonwealth youth programmes remain responsive to the changing needs of the next generation. As the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prioritizes youth employment and digital training, the Chairman highlighted how these international dialogues align with national policy objectives.

Pakistan’s Vision for Global Youth Development

Speaking on behalf of Pakistan, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan commended the Commonwealth Secretariat for undertaking an inclusive and comprehensive consultation process in developing the Commonwealth Youth Programme Strategic Framework (2026–2030). He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Framework and its alignment with the Commonwealth Strategic Plan 2025–2030. Highlighting Pakistan’s vision for youth development, the Chairman underscored the importance of expanding access to quality education, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, skills development, and evidence-based policymaking to enable young people to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.

He also welcomed the proposed flagship initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive youth participation, expanding entrepreneurship opportunities, improving access to finance and markets, and strengthening digital capabilities through enhanced skills and digital inclusion. He noted that these initiatives would create greater opportunities for young people across the Commonwealth, particularly in small states and vulnerable communities.

Governance and Future Commitment

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan stressed the importance of preserving the institutional identity of the Commonwealth Youth Programme while strengthening collaboration across the Secretariat. He further emphasized that the Programme’s governance arrangements and dedicated funding mechanisms should remain protected, with any future reforms undertaken through established intergovernmental processes and consensus among member states. Concluding the meeting, the Chairman of PMYP reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment, as Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force, to working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and fellow member states to finalize a balanced, inclusive, transparent, and future-oriented Strategic Framework that empowers young people across the Commonwealth.