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Taqwa Ahmad, a 16-year-old activist, author, and motivational speaker, has been designated as UNICEF’s inaugural Youth Advocate in Pakistan. Originating from Gujranwala, Punjab, Taqwa is an advocate for peace, inclusivity, disability rights, and education.
This appointment, unveiled on World Children’s Day, encourages children to assert their voices and assume the role of change agents for child rights.
Expressing her sentiments on the appointment, Taqwa Ahmad states, “I am humbled and excited to become a UNICEF Youth Advocate. My objective is to amplify the voices of young people, champion their rights, and empower others.
I envision a future where every child in Pakistan can access high-quality education and healthcare, enabling them to flourish in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.”
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In her capacity as UNICEF Youth Advocate, Taqwa will leverage her platform to draw attention to child rights and issues impacting the youth. Recently, she and five other child representatives met with the President of Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Arif Alvi, as part of a UNICEF World Children’s Day initiative, addressing key concerns for children.
This delegation, representing children from diverse age groups and backgrounds across all provinces and regions of Pakistan, underscored climate change, inclusive education, and gender equality as urgent issues requiring prompt attention from leaders, decision-makers, and society at large to safeguard the future of the younger generation.
Children in Pakistan confront a myriad of challenges, being on the forefront of climate change and threatened by increasingly destructive extreme weather events.
Moreover, more than 22 million children are out of school, facing deprivation of vital opportunities for learning and growth. High rates of malnutrition and poverty further jeopardize their survival and well-being, with children with disabilities among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, notes, “Taqwa inspires us not only with her powerful words but through her actions and her incredible personal story – overcoming the challenges of a spinal condition, becoming a karate champion despite needing a wheelchair – providing a beacon of hope to children, especially girls everywhere. We are honored for her to become our first-ever Youth Advocate in Pakistan.”
UNICEF reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with young people, activists, and advocates to nurture the next generation of changemakers, contributing to the establishment of a more inclusive and equitable Pakistan.
This involves upholding the rights of all children, recognizing their true potential, and working towards securing a better future for the nation.
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