The Policy Research Challenge (PRC) introduced by UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, and implemented by the School of Leadership Foundation, functioning within the Generation Unlimited framework. With a focus on empowering young people in Pakistan to become partners in innovation, the PRC works to improve research skills and encourage active participation for sustainable impacts beyond 2030. The initiative specifically targets climate change mitigation, involving participants in action research, critical policy evaluation, gap identification, and the mobilization of a wide range of stakeholders for inclusive solutions.

Objectives of Collaboration 

  1. Empower and uplift youth and adolescents in Pakistan to drive impactful changes for combating and adapting to climate change.
  2. Improve participants’ comprehension of climate-related issues, stressing the significance and key components of research.
  3. Providing the winning teams the chance to present their policy proposals to climate ministers and relevant stakeholders.
Deliverables:

  • Conducted a 4-day residential bootcamp in Karachi for 10 teams of adolescents, aged 12-18, from Sindh and Balochistan.
  • Conducted a 4-day residential bootcamp in Islamabad for 12 teams of young people, aged 19-28, from across the country.
  • Provided grants of up to PKR 150,000 to all adolescent teams to conduct research and formulate policy statements over 2 months.
  • Based on the merit of their proposals, provided grants of PKR 500,000 to 6 teams in the youth category for similar research and policy formulation tasks.
  • Extended mentorship to 16 winners (10 adolescents and 6 youths) during their research process.
  • Provided participants the opportunity to present their policy research statements at a roundtable conference​​, where they engaged with climate stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.