A Landmark Moment for Youth Empowerment
The Young Leaders Society Pakistan (YLSP) proudly contributed to the success of the groundbreaking CAYA Youth Summit 2025 in Islamabad, with 16 dedicated YLSP members forming an integral part of the organizing team alongside the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). This prestigious event marked a watershed moment in global youth advocacy, bringing together Youth Ministers from across the world, international youth leaders, political secretaries, and representatives from esteemed organizations including the Commonwealth Secretariat, UNFPA, UNDP, and UNICEF.
The Historic Islamabad Declaration
The summit’s crowning achievement was the signing of the Islamabad Declaration for Youth, a transformative document that formalizes youth participation in governance and decision-making processes across the Commonwealth Asia region. This declaration represents a shared commitment among nations to amplify youth voices and create sustainable frameworks for youth engagement. Notably, the establishment of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s presence in Islamabad positions Pakistani youth at the forefront of regional youth development initiatives.
YLSP’s Distinguished Contribution
YLSP’s impact at the summit was particularly noteworthy, with Director of Research & Development Manahil Zia receiving special recognition from Dr. Ali Malik for her outstanding contributions throughout the conference. The YLSP team had the distinct honor of engaging with international delegates, including a memorable interaction with the Youth Minister of Maldives, captured in the summit’s official photographs.
A New Era of Youth Leadership
The Islamabad Youth Declaration 2025 establishes concrete mechanisms for cross-border collaboration, enabling young leaders to collectively address global challenges. This aligns perfectly with YLSP’s longstanding mission to empower Pakistani youth and facilitate their meaningful participation in governance. As the Commonwealth Secretariat begins its operations in Islamabad, Pakistani youth stand uniquely positioned to lead regional youth development initiatives.
The Road Ahead
YLSP remains committed to building on this historic momentum. The organization plans to leverage the frameworks established by the Islamabad Declaration to strengthen its youth empowerment programs and expand international partnerships. This summit has not only validated YLSP’s approach to youth development but has also opened new avenues for Pakistani youth to shape both national and regional agendas.
A Call to Action
The CAYA Youth Summit 2025 has demonstrated that the future belongs to engaged, proactive young leaders. YLSP invites all young Pakistanis to join this movement and contribute to building a more inclusive, youth-centric future. As the Islamabad Declaration takes effect, the opportunities for meaningful youth participation have never been greater.