A collaborative effort between the British Council Pakistan and Education Above All, the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI) aims to empower the nation’s youth with social and ethical principles, embracing diversity and promoting climate action. Spearheaded by the British Council Pakistan and supported by the Government of Pakistan’s Youth Development Program, UNDP Pakistan, local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and public universities, the three-year initiative is co-funded by Education Above All’s “Reach Out to Asia” (ROTA) program.

The formal agreement for this collaboration was inked at the 11th WISE Summit in Doha in late November, marking a significant step toward creating a socially responsible and environmentally conscious society. PYLI focuses on educating and empowering both young men and women in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of global citizenship education for climate action.

James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council in Pakistan, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating, 

“The Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative aims to help young people determine their future as leaders of tomorrow in the face of today’s climate issues. The British Council is delighted to be working with Education Above All and Reach Out to Asia once more”.

Professor Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, emphasized the global impact of climate change and the active involvement of Pakistani youth in addressing these challenges. He mentioned ongoing projects, such as the Green Youth Movement, which has established clubs in 137 colleges across the country.