Peshawar, 18 April 2025:(hubdar news ) To expand economic opportunities for rural youth and accelerate sustainable livelihood transformation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a partnership agreement has been initiated by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-financed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Economic Transformation Project (KP-RETP), together with the KP Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (KP-TEVTA) and the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar. ‘Through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, the three institutions will collaborate to deliver practical, market-responsive training programmes that equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an evolving job market.Abdul Karim Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Industries said, “this landmark collaboration marks a major step forward in our efforts to uplift rural communities through skills and entrepreneurship. By aligning vocational training with market demands, we are creating real pathways for youth employment, fostering women’s economic inclusion, and contributing meaningfully to the province’s industrial and economic growth.”UET Peshawar will provide technical and academic expertise to support the initiative, which aims to train 60,000 youth in rural areas. At least 30 percent of participants will be women, with a strong focus on women empowerment and equal access to economic opportunities.This milestone demonstrates the power of collaboration between IFAD-financed projects, academic institutions, and the private sector to create real opportunities for young people. We are proud to invest in youth upskilling and women empowerment in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through this initiative, we are supporting young women and men build the skills they need to succeed in the job market or launch their own enterprises. IFAD remains deeply committed to supporting rural youth and driving inclusive economic transformation across the province,” said Fernanda Thomaz Da Rocha, IFAD Country Director for Pakistan highlighting the broader significance of the partnership.Qaiser Ali, Vice Chancellor of UET Peshawar, stated that connecting education with industry is essential for meaningful progress. He emphasized that through this partnership, rural youth will gain advanced skills, practical experience, and the confidence to succeed in the workforce or as entrepreneurs, contributing to a more innovative and inclusive future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Tahir Khan, Team Lead from UET Peshawar spoke about bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially from rural areas, to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.“This collaboration reflects our commitment to transforming rural livelihoods by equipping youth with skills that are not only relevant today but also future-focused. By joining hands with KP-TEVTA and UET Peshawar, we are ensuring that our training interventions are practical, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs of the job market,” said Arif Ullah Awan, Project Director, KP-RETP.
This initiative is a significant step toward aligning education with labour market needs. It seeks to foster both employment and self-employment, contribute to rural economic transformation, and empower the next generation of skilled professionals in the province.
Caption: Dignitaries at the signing ceremony of a landmark partnership to promote youth skills development and rural economic transformation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
8
