Leading youth voices from across Asia have gathered in Islamabad for the highly anticipated Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) 2025 Summit, which is focused on advancing youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and skills development.
The summit brings together young leaders, changemakers, and innovators to discuss and collaborate on strategies aimed at equipping the next generation with the tools necessary for success in an increasingly globalized world.
The Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) is a vibrant and inclusive regional platform of young people across eight Commonwealth Asian countries: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Singapore. Delegations from Azerbaijan and UK also joined the youth summit.
Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was the chief guest for the inaugural session of the CAYA 2025 Summit that began on January 28 at the Jinnah Convention Center.
CAYA 2025: Commitment to youth empowerment
In his address at the inaugural session of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) summit, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that placing youth at the center of governance and decision-making is key to overcoming regional challenges. He welcomed delegates from 12 countries, noting Pakistan’s strong commitment as a founding member of the Commonwealth, a platform for consensus-building and partnerships.
The session, attended by federal ministers, diplomats, 113 new members of the National Youth Council (NYC), and students, highlighted the significance of empowering the youth. With over 60% of the Commonwealth population under 30, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of equipping young people with training and access to modern technology.
Inaugural session of CAYA Youth Summit Islamabad 2025.
— Prime Minister's Youth Programme (@PMsYouthProgram) January 28, 2025
#PMsYouthProgram #PMYP #NationalYouthCouncil #CAYAYouthSummit pic.twitter.com/0SYiZTf6S5
Acknowledging that 70% of Pakistan’s population is under 30, the Prime Minister reiterated that by harnessing this demographic, challenges could be turned into opportunities. He also underscored the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), benefiting millions across Pakistan.
Head of Delegation Commonwealth Secretariat Layne Robinson praised Pakistan’s role in the Commonwealth’s youth initiatives, calling the CAYA Youth Summit 2025 a significant step in regional collaboration.
Discussing Pakistan’s National Youth Council (NYC), he highlighted its role in engaging young people from across the country. He commended Pakistan for this initiative, noting that many countries still do not have a National Youth Council of any form and young people remain outside of the policy making.
PM National Youth Council welcomes 113 members
Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, addressed the gathering, welcoming distinguished guests from 12 countries. He also congratulated the 113 new members of the third batch of the Prime Minister National Youth Council (NYC), including 49 boys, 49 girls, 2 transgenders, and 13 members from the overseas diaspora. The members were selected through interviews by a panel of professionals and leaders.
As an advisory body to the Prime Minister, the NYC will focus on issues like education, entrepreneurship, fair job opportunities, and technological advancement, providing young leaders a platform to shape policies that reflect the aspirations of the next generation.
A key highlight of the summit was the launch of Spark, a quarterly magazine edited by Ishrat Saleem and produced by university students. Spark aspires to inspire others, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience among the youth. The magazine celebrates young achievers in fields such as technology, arts, and social entrepreneurship. Its inaugural cover features Naila Kiyani, the first Pakistani woman to summit 11 peaks over 8,000 meters.
“This magazine will showcase the incredible talents and accomplishments of Pakistan’s youth,” said Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan.
Earlier, the event opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by Pakistan’s National Anthem. A video showcasing Pakistan’s tourism potential was also featured, highlighting the country’s scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
A video message from Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland was also played, acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts in youth development and its notable contributions to the Commonwealth community.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also administered the oath to the new members of the National Youth Council and presented awards to high achievers.
CAYA Secretariat inaugurated in Islamabad
The Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) Secretariat was officially inaugurated on Thursday at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, marking a key step in advancing youth empowerment and entrepreneurship in the region. The event was attended by ministers from 12 countries, representatives from the Commonwealth Secretariat, government officials, and National Youth Council (NYC) members.
*CAYA Secretariat inaugurated in Islamabad, marking a new era for youth advocacy*
— Rana Mashhood Ahmad khan (@ranamashhood) January 30, 2025
The Secretariat of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) was inaugurated here on Thursday at Pak China Friendsip centre, marking a significant milestone in youth empowerment and… pic.twitter.com/k2cildE2r3
Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, cut the ribbon to launch the Secretariat, which will act as a hub for youth-led entrepreneurial initiatives, policy advocacy, and capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for young people across Commonwealth Asia.
“This Secretariat will drive innovation, collaboration, and policy reforms to support young entrepreneurs across the region,” said NYC members.
20 climate champions, youth leaders honored at CAYA 2025
At the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) Summit 2025, 20 young leaders were honored with the prestigious ‘Climate Champions Award’ for their exceptional contributions to combating climate change and promoting sustainability in their communities. Additionally, eight young leaders received the ‘Youth Excellence Awards’ for groundbreaking work in fields like education, renewable energy, water conservation, and environmental sustainability.
The winners at the CAYA Summit 2025 were:
Climate Champions Award Winners:
- Nizam ud Din (Quetta) – Climate education and tree plantation projects
- Rubina Bibi (Quetta) – Climate education and tree plantation projects
- Saim Abbas Sahto (Sindh) – Renewable energy and climate education
- Alia Ali Murad (Sindh) – Renewable energy and climate education
- Mahnoor Fatima (Sukkur) – Water conservation
- Abdul Basit (Sukkur) – Water conservation and solid waste management
- Sahiba (Thatta) – Solid waste management and plantation drives
- Tanveer Alam (Sanghar) – Solid waste management and plantation drives
- Sheraz Ahmad (Mardan) – Forestry initiatives
Youth Excellence Award Winners:
- Suhaib (Danish School) – Academic excellence in matriculation and F.Sc.
- Zeeshan Shahid – Inventor of an airbag vest for bikers (National Innovation Award)
- Areeba Aamir – Skilled embroidery designer at Sapphire Retail Ltd through the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund scholarship
- Haleema Sadia – Developed a Blood Donation Management System (PM’s Laptop Scheme)
- Kashf Shah – Founder of Pakistan’s largest volunteer network; initiatives include planting 100,000 trees and organizing free medical camps
- Faris Ahmed – Climate advocate, co-author of a bill for climate refugee protection
- Aatirah Amir (COMSATS University) – Sar Sabz Qadam project, generating electricity from pedestrian energy
- Muhammad Sohail Adnan – World No. 1 in U13 squash, gold medalist in the Asian Junior Championship