British Council launches Next Generation Report 2023

Islamabad: The British Council launched its Next Generation Research Report Friday at an event in Islamabad. The report comprehensively examines the perceptions of the country’s young population between the ages of 16 and 34 with specific focus on their views, values, beliefs, and actions. It assesses in detail the challenges which Pakistan’s youth face today, how it impacts their choices and decisions, and the efforts they are undertaking to transform and improve their lives.

The recommendations and findings of the report are around key areas including: education and skills, employment, civic and community engagement, local and global challenges including climate change, digital literacy and looking to the future.

The launch event for the report was attended by Acting British High Commissioner Andrew Dalgleish, Country Director British Council Pakistan, Amir Ramzan, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, Convener of National Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Romina Khurshid Alam, and other stakeholders from the government, academia and more.

Amir Ramzan, Country Director, British Council Pakistan, said: “At the British Council we help nurture and develop networks and platforms to give young people a voice in society. Two-thirds of Pakistan’s population is below the age of 30, so it’s vital that the views of the youth on key areas inform future decision making. I am delighted that our Next Generation Research Report will contribute to taking this conversation forward.”

Wajiha Irfan, Head of Non-Formal Education, British Council Pakistan, said: “The Next Generation Report aims to ignite a critical conversation on what are the needs of the country’s young citizens, and how the country’s institutions could transform and adapt in order to realise their potential. This report is much needed so Pakistan can leverage the power of its youth.”