Youth delegation including rep. from Pakistan meets SAARC official in Nepal, discusses role of Youth

kathmandu, 28th March, 2019: A delegation of youth representing countries (namely Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal) of SAARC region met with Director of Social Affairs at the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal to discuss the role of young people in the development of the region. The delegation comprised Chairman of the Youth Advocacy Network, Mr. Fsahat Ul-Hasaan from Pakistan, and Member of Colombo Municipal Council and youth policy expert, Mr. Milinda Rajapaksha from Sri Lanka. During the meeting with Ms Rishfa Rasheed, Director of Social Affairs at the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal different aspects of youth’s social engagement and sustainable development came under discourse. They discussed the role of young people in sustainable development initiatives in South Asia. Ms Rishfa commented that SAARC is very keen to work with young people in accordance with the SAARC Youth Charter, once it is approved by the SAARC Heads of States in the upcoming meeting. Mr Fsahat and Mr Milinda stressed that the region’s governments should acknowledge the growth of the youth population in South Asia, and take necessary steps to promote youth development across the region.