Sport for Development Initiative in Pakistan

Empowering Youth Playing for Social Change

By Muhammad Ilyas

With over 60% of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan has one of the youngest demographics in the world. This youth majority, however, continues to face long-standing challenges. Many lack sufficient access to quality education, professional training, and essential life skills, which limits their opportunities for social and economic mobility. These gaps are reflected in broader social dynamics, contributing to persistent issues such as gender inequality, weak social cohesion, conflict, and limited discipline among young people.

The Sport for Development (S4D) initiative began in October 2022, focusing on policy-level integration of the S4D approach, capacity development, and changing perspectives on social issues among children and youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Soon, the adidas foundation joined the initiative, co-funding its activities promoting gender equality. Collaborating with the Elementary and Secondary Education Department and the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees, the initiative trained over 170 government representatives, including teachers and community outreach workers, to integrate the S4D approach in community and school interventions. This training aimed to promote gender equality, inclusion, peaceful conflict resolution, and social cohesion.

Faisal Khan Taraki, Minister for E&SED, KP, remarked, “Sport for Development can bring our kids and youth on track to play their role in the country's development in an era where young people are heavily influenced by misinformation and disinformation on social media.”

The initiative empowered 54 youth and 250 coaches, both girls and boys, from Afghan refugee and host communities, as ambassadors of social change. Their efforts engaged over 22,000 children and youth in S4D activities, promoting critical social topics and enhancing their capacities to foster gender equality, inclusion, peaceful conflict resolution, and social cohesion at the community level.

Hira Nawas, a Youth Ambassador, shared, “I grew during this journey, engaging young girls in my community to be change agents. Before this, I was a shy person afraid of public speaking, but the initiative made me a better and more impactful person.”

Over three years, the S4D component significantly impacted government policies, capacity building, and youth engagement. An impact study confirmed its contribution to promoting gender equality in Pakistan, implemented in 30 government schools and communities.

The S4D team Pakistan expressed excitement about the project's future, aiming to sensitize over 4 thousand students in government schools through the Elementary and Secondary Education Department in the coming few years.

The S4D initiative represents a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by Pakistan's youth, leveraging sports as a powerful tool for social development. The journey of the S4D participants showcases the potential of sports to unite communities, foster critical life skills, and empower the next generation to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development.

By promoting gender equality, inclusion, and peaceful conflict resolution, the initiative not only addresses immediate social issues but also paves the way for a more cohesive and resilient society.