26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

UNFPA: Action on Adolescents and Youth

National Consultative Forum on Harnessing Adolescent’s Potential in Pakistan

Review (1998 – 2007) & Planning (2008 – 2018)

26 – 27 June 2008, Islamabad

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Adolescents: 10 - 19 years

- early adolescence 10-14; - late adolescence 15-19

• Youth: 15 - 24 years

• Young People: 10 - 24 years

Definitions UNFPA

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Framework for Action on Adolescents and Youth; 4 keys to opening doors

• Global Youth Advisory Panel• Youth Supplement State of the World

Population

UNFPA & Youth

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Pakistan Program on Adolescent Reproductive Health (PPARH)

• Provincial Youth Assemblies

• Youth Friendly Health Services

• Youth Advisory Panel

• Pop&Dev Curriculum

Introduction of Youth Programs / Projects

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

ThattaJacobabadQilla SaifullahNushkiKohatMansehraMuzaffarabadKotliChakwalMuzafargarh+ provincial

capitals

UNFPA’s 10 districts

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Following up RHIYA program• Holistic approach with focus on:

- rural areas- Youth Friendly Centers- Peer Educators- Youth Corners in schools- building community support- culturally appropriate approaches- local advocacy events

PPARH

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

- more supportive environment- increased knowledge of RH among girls and boys- increased empowerment young people- increased knowledge of ARH among community, parents, teachers, doctors, etc- improved access to health services for young people

PPARH impact

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Platform for young people (girls and boys) from different districts and backgrounds to share ideas and collaborate

• Knowledge sharing

• Advocacy event aimed at Provincial Decision Makers

• Networking opportunity NGOs, UN, youth and Government

Provincial Youth Assemblies

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Young people raised in awareness

• Government better informed

• Recommendations from young people for follow up

• Young people organised

• NGOs, UN, youth and Government more aware of each other and of youth

PYA outcomes

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Training of health service providers on ARH and youth friendliness

• Linking youth facilities and health services

• Better access for young people to health services

Youth Friendly Health Services

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Youth 15 – 25 from 10 districts and provincial capitals

• Provide feedback and advice to UNFPA on youth related programs

• Capacity building opportunities young people

• Capacity building UNFPA

Youth Advisory Panel UNFPA

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Addressing sensitive topics is possible also in conservative areas through culturally appropriate and holistic approaches

• Young people are eager to learn and participate if they get the chance

• Religious leaders can be part of the solution• Governments at local levels are more receptive• Information needs to be available in local languages• Phase-out strategy needs to be included from start of

project / program

Lessons Learned

26/06/08 NvdL UNFPA Harnessing Adolescent's Potential

• Sustainability -> YFCs taken over by community / local CBO or Government

• Youth Focal Points and Mapping• UN Reform -> Joint Programs

- ARP- Education- Health & Population- Environment- Disaster Management & Prevention

Looking Ahead