Policy Research Challenge (PRC) 2023-2025

Objectives

• Connect young researchers with stakeholders from relevant ministries.
• Identify policy gaps and propose actionable solutions for effective national policy implementation.
• Facilitate meaningful dialogue between youth and policymakers to promote evidence-based policymaking.
• Strengthen collaboration to bridge the gap between research and policy formulation.
• Support informed decision-making and foster sustainable, impactful policy solutions.

Key Stats:

• 1,500+ applications received from adolescents and youth across Pakistan, including remote regions.
• 27 adolescents and 30 youth trained on research methodologies and evidence-based policymaking
• 5.3 million PKR awarded in grants.
• 19 adolescent and 13 youth researchers funded for on-ground research projects.

Achievements:

• Research focused on critical themes like climate adaptation and educational innovation.
• Development of evidence-based policy statements rooted in local realities.
• A PRC researcher secured a paid three-month internship with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.
• Zunaira appointed by UNICEF as a Youth Advocate for Climate Education and Girls’ Empowerment.
• Continued technical support for participants to publish research in national and international journals and conferences.
• Ongoing placements for youth researchers in multiple government departments for policy-focused internships.
• Strengthening a culture of evidence-based policymaking by amplifying youth voices in policy discourse.