Pakistan

How Does the UN Define the Term “Youth”?

While the definition of ‘youth’ do vary from country to country, for statistical purposes the UN defines ‘youth’, as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, without prejudice to other definitions by Member States.

Source: Youth at the United Nations available at: www.un.org/youth

Youth in Pakistan:

Pakistan has a large population that can be categorized as falling within the UN’s definition of youth. An estimated 103 million Pakistanis, or 63% of the population, fall under the age of 25 years. However, as a result of endemic poverty, the majority of youth in Pakistan do not have the opportunity to experience a childhood. Youth literacy rate Youth Literacy Rate (age 15/24) is estimated to be 53%. Female youth literacy (age 15-24) conforming to the wider pattern in Pakistan, is even lower at 42.0%.*.

Child labor remains prevalent social issue in Pakistan. Economic conditions force many Pakistani youth to take up employment in their childhood years. Children's contribution to work in rural areas is about eight times greater than in urban areas. In Pakistan rural areas children work in the agricultural sector (74 per cent), whereas in urban areas, most working children (31 per cent) are engaged in the manufacturing sector. In both areas, the percentage of girls working in manufacturing and services is higher than that of boys.

Source: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

*The Youth Statistics presented here are the latest available from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

UNDP and Pakistani Youth:

Pakistani youth form a crucial demographic in the country. The government must pay special attention to addressing the issues affecting Pakistani Youth. The government develop polices that address the inter-connected issues, of poverty, child labor, lack of education, and gender discrimination.

The UNDP is committed to working with both Pakistani government and civil society in engaging Pakistani youth in meeting their potential and helping the country achieve ithe Millennium Development Goals (MDG’S).

Source: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and International Labor Organization (ILO)