The Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI) is a forward-looking program dedicated to developing youth leadership, civic engagement, and climate resilience across Pakistan. With a mission to empower young individuals as socially responsible and environmentally conscious change agents, PYLI focuses on building local capacities that lead to inclusive development and long-term peacebuilding.
The initiative is being implemented by the Institute of Rural Management (IRM) as part of a ten-month project funded by the British Council, in collaboration with Education Above All (EAA). The program is specifically being executed in the Rawalpindi District, a diverse urban and peri-urban region with a strong youth demographic and growing environmental challenges. Rawalpindi’s mix of rural and urban settings makes it an ideal focal area for grassroots climate action and youth-led innovation.
PYLI targets 193 young individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 years, selected through a rigorous and inclusive process. The age group reflects a critical phase of social and civic development and is strategically chosen to engage youth who are at the threshold of higher education, early career, or community involvement. Selection ensures representation from diverse communities and prioritizes gender balance, religious minorities, differently-abled persons, and underprivileged backgrounds.
The initiative follows a structured, multi-phase approach that includes:
- Participant selection
- Capacity-building through a leadership boot camp
- Mentorship and community project implementation
- Monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment
At the core of the initiative is the PYLI Training Institute, a residential leadership development program that equips youth with skills in civic education, conflict resolution, participatory governance, social entrepreneurship, non-violent communication, and climate awareness. Training modules are delivered through interactive sessions, workshops, simulations, and expert guest lectures to foster a holistic learning experience.
A unique and transformative component of PYLI is the Youth-Led Actions (YLAs). These are three-month community-based projects designed and implemented by the trained participants. Each YLA group consists of 5 to 10 youth members, ensuring diversity of skills, gender, and backgrounds. The YLAs offer youth a platform to apply their learning in real-life contexts, address pressing local issues, and inspire community collaboration.
The five thematic areas of focus for the YLAs are:
- Tree Plantation and Forestry: Projects to enhance green spaces, promote biodiversity, and support carbon offsetting.
- Water Conservation: Community awareness campaigns and practical initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and water efficiency programs.
- Solid Waste Management: Efforts to reduce littering, encourage recycling, and promote clean neighborhoods.
- Renewable Energy: Awareness programs on clean energy, installation of solar systems, and local advocacy for energy transition.
- Climate Education in Higher Secondary Schools and Colleges: Workshops, campaigns, and curriculum support for students and educators to deepen understanding of climate challenges.
Each YLA receives technical mentorship, allowing the teams to design and execute meaningful, measurable interventions within their communities. These projects not only improve local environments but also promote youth leadership, dialogue, and civic responsibility.
The project aims to foster a generation of young leaders in Pakistan who are socially and ethically aware, respectful of diversity, and equipped to take inclusive and responsible actions that influence local, national, and global sustainable development agendas, particularly in the context of climate change. Through the PYLI project, IRM is committed to building youth leadership that not only raises awareness but also drives real, lasting impact for a climate-resilient future.
To ensure measurable outcomes and continuous improvement, a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system is embedded into the program. This includes baseline assessments, impact surveys, focus group discussions, and field evaluations.
In conclusion, the Institute of Rural Management (IRM) is proud to conduct the Pakistani Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI), empowering the next generation of leaders to drive positive change and build a sustainable future for their communities. PYLI envisions a generation of Pakistani youth who are not only aware of climate and social challenges but are actively contributing to solutions.
Contact Details
Name: Sara Azmat
Email: sara@irm.edu.pk
Address: IRM Complex, #7, Sunrise Avenue, Park Road, Near COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Contact number: +92 51 8742201-7