The Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) 2025 Summit commenced at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, focusing on youth empowerment, education, and skills development. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the inaugural session, where he administered the oath to the third batch of the National Youth Council (NYC) members and presented awards to high achievers.
Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, welcomed delegates from 12 countries and congratulated the 113 newly inducted NYC members, which included 49 boys, 49 girls, two transgender individuals, and 13 members from the overseas diaspora. A video highlighting Pakistan’s tourism potential was showcased, alongside a message from Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who commended Pakistan’s contributions to youth development.
Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam, praised Pakistan’s hosting of the summit, calling it a milestone in the country’s progress. He emphasized that such events inspire youth to excel and help position Pakistan as a key player in international youth policy discussions. He also highlighted Pakistan’s advancements across various sectors and its growing recognition in global forums.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan hosted a dinner for foreign delegates, bringing together educational professionals, media representatives, and youth leaders. PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted the government’s initiatives for youth capacity-building, while HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar emphasized the role of education in shaping future leaders. He encouraged collaboration among CAYA member countries to address shared challenges such as education, climate change, and poverty. The event concluded with a cultural performance and dinner.
During the summit, PMYP launched its quarterly magazine, Spark, showcasing the achievements of young Pakistanis. Edited by Ishrat Saleem and produced with university students’ collaboration, the magazine aims to highlight young individuals excelling in technology, innovation, arts, and social entrepreneurship. Its inaugural cover features Naila Kiani, the first Pakistani woman to climb 11 peaks over 8,000 meters, including Mount Everest and K2, symbolizing inspiration for young girls and promoting mountain tourism.
The summit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to youth development, regional cooperation, and fostering global partnerships for sustainable progress.
