Youth Access Program

Youth Access Program

Introduction

In a constantly evolving world, the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) considers the importance of the development of high-quality future leaders resourced with boundless energy, enthusiasm and promise. PCFR, through its Youth Access Program, engages young minds to gain valuable training in research and analysis that will be instrumental for the development of their professional skills. We encourage interns to exchange their vibrant ideas and offer practical experience gained rather than mere theoretical knowledge.

Program aims to:

  • Inculcate basic research methodologies of qualitative and quantitative research
  • Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to see things beyond the headlines.
  • Encourage young minds to express ideas through writings and participating in dialogues
  • Teach youth to synergize between theory and practice.

Who can apply?

  • An undergraduate student in subjects related to international relations, economics, law, and any other disciplines of social sciences.
  • Well versed in using M.S. Office and English language.
  • Interested in gaining practical experience in public policy, international relations, strategic studies, global politics, and economy.

Mode of Program

  • This is an honorary program and participants will be awarded certificates at the end of session that usually extends to 6 to 9 weeks.
  • Physical and remote working.

First Batch of Program

As part this program PCFR engaged 13 students of International Relations, Economics, and Media from the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi. The participants of the program were offered opportunities to share their ideas of different topics of national and international significance. Visits to consulates of Indonesia and Iran were organized to provide them opportunities of learning about the matters of diplomacy.

Students contributed following articles on important topics which were published in newspapers and online platforms.

  1. “Climate Change: An existential threat for developing world” by Ms. Sana Riaz published in The Financial Daily International July 18, 2023
  2. "Modi’s Visit to The US and Its Implications for Pakistan" by Ms. Ayiza Salman published on Cover Page https://coverpage.org/ - July 23, 2023
  3. "Impact of Pakistan's Economic Uncertainty" by Ms. Laiba Saleem, published in The Financial Daily International, July 31, 2023
  4. "Regional progress and prosperity through CPEC” by Mr. Suresh Kumar published on Cover Page https://coverpage.org/ August 8, 2023
  5. "Growing cities, shrinking farmlands: Challenges of urban sprawl in Pakistan" written by Ms. Alishba Khurshid published in The Financial Daily International August 17, 2023
  6. "Morality’s Paradox: Unmasking the Contrast Between Professed Values and Practical Diplomacy in International Relations" by Muhammad Muzammil Shaikh, published on Cover Page https://coverpage.org/ August 17, 2023
  7. "Slow Progress and Strategic Promise: A Decade of CPEC" written by Ayiza Salman published on Cover Page https://coverpage.org/ August 25, 2023
  8. “Pakistan-ASEAN Relations: Prospects of Growth” by Ms. Ayiza Salman published on Cover Page https://coverpage.org/ September 11, 2023
  9. “ASEAN-Pakistan Partnership: Prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation” by Mr. Huzaifa Abdulrehman published in The Financial Daily International September 19, 2023