Multan, July 5, 2024: FAFEN’s Neeli Bar Regional Network conducted youth dialogues in Multan, Lodhran, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, and Okara in May 2024. The dialogue aimed at promoting political and social dialogue to overcome political bias in the regions. It also aimed to get the practical issues faced by the youth, affiliated with different political parties, and get their input and ideas to improve youth participation in the political arena. The dialogue helped in informing and empowering youth to effectively engage in the process of developing a charter of demand to be presented to the elected representatives.
The dialogue engaged as many as 283 youth members including 226 young men and 57 young women, who participated in the discussion on political polarization, disliking and liking politicians, and the role of youth in shaping the national political discourse. The participants actively took part in the discussion and shared that youth can play their role as citizens by keeping an eye on the development and governance process of the country. Involving youth in budget and policy discussions is essential to foster dialogue and address youth-related issues. Youth are also active as political activists and can play an important role in promoting diversity in cultural and social activities apart from politics.
As a result of the discussions, the participants agreed on a charter of demand to be shared with the political parties that can support youth participation in the political system. The political and social dialogue in the region has laid a robust foundation for addressing the pressing issues faced by youth in Pakistan. By articulating their demands and engaging with stakeholders, young participants have demonstrated a proactive approach towards shaping their futures. These dialogues not only highlighted critical needs like educational access and employment opportunities but also underscored the importance of youth participation in local governance. Moving forward, sustained efforts and collaboration between Neeli Bar Regional Network and FAFEN will be essential in translating these discussions into concrete actions that enhance youth empowerment and foster sustainable development initiatives.
