Event Overview: National Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Post 2015 Development Agenda, Islamabad.

“Mountain youth are the most isolated segment of our society, they need to be streamlined in the national and international decision making, because policies and decisions taken today will be having a direct impact on youth”, it’s highlighted by Dr Qamar u Zaman Chudhry - Senior Advisor (Climate Change) LEADs Pakistan, during the opening ceremony of three days National Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Post 2015 Development Agenda, Islamabad.

Asia Pacific Youth Force on Rio+20 (volunteer commitment of Asia Pacific youth), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Mountain & Glacier Protection Organization (MGPO) organized three days (25-27 October) National Youth Forum in Islamabad.  National Youth Forum aim to bring together youth from diverse background (regions, discipline, gender and professions) to discuss on issues of common concern and capture their deliberations in the form of declarations, and action plan, and enriching their knowledge and understanding on sustainable mountain development.

Group photograph after opening ceremony of NYF.

Mr Farid Ahmad- Head of ICIMOD’s Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit gave introductory remarks and highlighted that “collective efforts are required to bring mountain’s youth forward, and they need to be heard at national and international arena”. Ms Aisha Khan CEO, MGPO, emphasized on youth to play their role in promoting environmental awareness, and share best practices. She emphasized the need for bringing youth in the mainstream of national development process will build their confidence, capacity and knowledge as they are the custodians of mountainous regions and resources therefore; their involvement in the national and international negotiations is vital. Ms Anja Møller Rasmussen Senior Manager, Knowledge Management and communication (ICIMOD) highlighted the ICIMOD‘s efforts towards mountain youth empowerment, capacity building and importance by providing them opportunities for capacity building, and involvement in international negotiations or decision making.

Chief guest- Dr Qamar u Zaman Chudhry addressing youth.

Key note speakers in opening ceremony.

During the event major activities included technical and motivational sessions, group work to prepare a declaration which will be presented at UNFCCC COP19, in November 2013 Poland, during international negotiations on climate change. Intergenerational panel discussion on renewable energy-National Power Shift- and green excursion to National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC)  where biodiversity park, bio gas plants and solar power technology were among the most interactive sessions of the event. Poster competition was held among participants and the best poster was awarded during closing ceremony.

Group work to prepare youth forum declaration.

Best poster of the event.

 Thirty participants actively participated in the event and showed commitment to strengthen network, highlight environmental issues and promote best practices in mountain regions of Pakistan.  Resource persons were eminent professionals from Pakistan, ICIMOD Nepal, development sector specialists, and youth representatives.

Panel discussion - Inter-generational dialogue on renewable energy status and future in Pakistan- National Power Shift".

Green excurssion- Biodiversity park. National Center for Cleaner Production (NCPC).

During closing ceremony Mr Hanana Abbasi- President National Youth Assembly, gave moral support by being present in the youth forum and highlighted the youth’s role in development and prosperity of country. He urged the youth to take all possible measures to play their role in uplift of their communities. Mr Tanweer Ahmad, Program Manager MGPO, in his concluding remarks reaffirmed MGPO’s commitment towards youth empowerment and development of mountain communities and thanked co-organizers and participants for making this event possible and successful. Mr Irshad Ramay- Coordinator NCPC assured all kind of support for youth activities and mountain development in the future. At the end of the event awards best poster presenters were awarded, and certificates were distributed among the participants, speakers, and event management team.

NYF participants group picture after closing ceremony.