SWAT: Experts said here on Sunday that youth must be involved in entrepreneurial skills through digital landscape to empower them and put the country on the track of development.

They were addressing the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding of Youth International Programme between Youth International Conclave (YIC) and Iqra National University, Swat campus.

YIC president Engineer Umar Farooq Gul, Iqra University director Prof Tayyabur Rehman and a large number of youth were present on the occasion. The MoU signifies the commitment of both organisations to work together in promoting youth empowerment, academic excellence and fostering a solid bridge between academia and industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Umar Farooq Gul said that the initiative was meant to provide essential skills and knowledge to the youth of Swat to thrive in the digital age and entrepreneurial landscape.

“The Youth International Fellowship Programme has been designed to provide an innovative platform to youth and unlock their potential for exploring new horizons,” he said.

Speakers said that the youth of Swat and surrounding regions would get an opportunity to nurture their digital and entrepreneurial talents through the initiative.

They said that vision and commitment of the founding digital experts would help to foster the foundation of innovation and leadership for a vibrant ecosystem where young individuals could develop the skills and mindset necessary for success in the digital and entrepreneurial realms.

The experts said that the fellowship programme offered a comprehensive curriculum, covering key aspects of digital skills and entrepreneurship, under which the participants would gain insights into digital marketing, coding, e-commerce, business development and innovative thinking.

They said that the programme provided mentorship, networking opportunities and exposure to industry experts, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth.

They praised the passion of YIC leadership for its unwavering dedication to the development and wellbeing of the youth of Swat.

Students also welcomed the launch of the fellowship programme. They said that it would allow them to develop their digital and entrepreneurial skills, unleashing their potential to significantly impact their communities and beyond.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2023