The University of Education (UoE) Lahore, in partnership with the University of Warwick (UK), celebrated the inaugural ceremony of the “Youth Engagement and Empowerment Initiative (YEEI)” at its Township campus. The event marked a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing efforts to empower Pakistani youth with critical 21st-century skills.
Presided over by UoE Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, the ceremony featured Dr Moeed Yousaf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University (BNU), as the chief guest. The event highlighted the success of YEEI’s pilot phase—launched in 2023 with the support of the Warwick Institute of Engagement—which trained 25 exceptional individuals from a pool of over 500 applicants in global citizenship, digital literacy, and transferable skills.
With its second phase now underway, the initiative is expanding to include 28 new participants, particularly targeting youth from underprivileged regions outside of Lahore. The expansion reflects a strategic shift in the program’s mission—moving beyond urban centers to address the opportunity gap and foster inclusive growth through education and mentorship.
“We believe in the transformative power of education and mentorship,” said Dr Naima Qureshi, Associate Professor at UoE and Project Lead in Pakistan. “This new phase is about reaching the underserved and ensuring no one is left behind.”
The ceremony also showcased the initiative’s growing network of collaborators, including the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), Lahore School of Economics (LSE), University of Sargodha, University of Chakwal, Namal University Mianwali, Grand Asia University Sialkot, and The Book Studio, among others. These partnerships aim to create a dynamic ecosystem for experiential learning, leadership development, and real-world impact.
Speaking at the event, Dr Aqif Anwar Chaudhry reaffirmed UoE’s commitment to youth empowerment. “Providing young people with future-ready skills is a top priority for us,” he stated. “Projects like YEEI represent our dedication to innovation, leadership, and inclusive growth.”
Dr Moeed Yousaf emphasized the need for practical skill development across educational institutions. “The focus must shift from education alone to training and real-world application. For that, inter-university collaboration is essential,” he said.
Dr Freeha Azmat, Project Lead from the University of Warwick, underlined the initiative’s long-term vision. “We are nurturing a generation of globally aware, socially responsible leaders,” she said. “This isn’t just about skills—it’s about equity, inclusion, and giving every young person the tools to succeed.”
The event concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Dr Naima Qureshi, Ms Arooj Khaliq, Ms Farah, Prof Rukhsana Zia, Dr Moeed Yousaf, and Dr Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, who shared insights on youth engagement, leadership, and collaborative education.
The YEEI continues to stand as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Pakistan’s youth, bridging divides and building futures through education, collaboration, and innovation.