ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 17th May, 2026) Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan and UNESCO’s Country Director Fuad Pashayev on Sunday held a high level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office to explore collaboration between the PMYP and UNESCO Pakistan under UNESCO’s Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030, with discussions focusing on education, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, climate resilience and technical skills development.
The meeting, attended by senior officials from both sides, aimed at positioning PMYP as UNESCO Pakistan’s strategic implementation partner by utilizing its nationwide youth development network to advance opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, innovation and employment for young people across the country.
During the briefing, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan highlighted PMYP’s flagship initiatives, including the Digital Youth Hub, PM Youth Skills Development Programme, Matric Tech Programme, Green Youth Movement, National Volunteer Corps, National Youth Council, and the PM Youth business and Agriculture Loan Scheme.
Mr Khan said the initiatives añre designed to connect Pakistani youth with education, technical training, entrepreneurship and climate action opportunities on a national scale.
Fuad Pashayev appreciated Pakistan’s cultural and historical heritage, observing that the country had significant potential for additional UNESCO recognized heritage sites.
Mr Fuad reaffirmed that youth development remained one of UNESCO’s central global priorities.
The UNESCO director described the Digital Youth Hub as an innovative platform capable of linking young people with opportunities in education, technical and vocational training, entrepreneurship and civic engagement.
He also stressed the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), stating that vocational skills could help bridge educational and economic gaps by preparing youth for employment and self reliance.
Both sides discussed cooperation in educational inclusion, digital literacy, STEAM education, green skills, climate resilience, youth participation and reforms in technical and vocational education.
The meeting also explored integrating UNESCO’s technical standards into PMYP programmes, particularly the Matric-Tech and PM Youth Skills Development initiatives, while considering the Digital Youth Hub as a national platform for UNESCO youth engagement and outreach.
Discussions further focused on institutionalizing youth policy dialogue through the National Youth Council and strengthening climate related entrepreneurship through green TVET pathways and youth financing initiatives.
Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan reiterated PMYP’s commitment to establishing a long term partnership with UNESCO Pakistan, saying the programme offered a nationwide implementation framework capable of operationalizing youth focused initiatives at scale.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing interest in formalizing cooperation through a structured framework aimed at promoting education, skills, innovation, sustainability and economic opportunities for Pakistani youth.