School of Leadership Foundation

The Policy Research Challenge (PRC) – Youth Bootcamp concluded successfully in Islamabad, bringing together 17 young researchers from across Pakistan for an immersive learning experience on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
Through expert-led sessions, mentorship, and collaborative learning, participants strengthened their skills in policy research, advocacy, and evidence-informed policymaking. As the final milestone, they pitched their research proposals, with 10 projects selected for grants to further develop innovative DRR policy solutions.

Implemented under Generation Unlimited at UNICEF in collaboration with NDMA Pakistan, UNICEF Pakistan, UNFPA Pakistan UNDP Pakistan 🇵🇰 and Prime Minister's Youth Programme with SoLFoundation as the implementing partner, the programme continues to empower young people to shape a more resilient Pakistan through research and policy innovation.

[Research Challenge, Bootcamp, Disaster Risk Reduction Pakistan, DRR initiatives, Youth Leadership Pakistan, Climate Resilience, Community Resilience, Youth for Change, Research for Impact, Generation Unlimited Pakistan, Policy Innovation,
Sustainable Development Pakistan]

The Policy Research Challenge – Adolescent Bootcamp has successfully concluded in Islamabad, bringing together 17 adolescents from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad for an immersive learning experience centred on this year’s theme: Disaster Risk Reduction.

Throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged with policymakers, development practitioners, and subject matter experts through interactive sessions, collaborative activities, mentorship, and research presentations. They explored the intersection of research, policy, and youth-led action while strengthening their ability to develop evidence-informed DRR policies.

Under Generation Unlimited at UNICEF in collaboration with NDMA Pakistan, UNICEF Pakistan, UNFPA Pakistan, UNDP Pakistan 🇵🇰 and Prime Minister's Youth Programme the bootcamp provided participants with valuable insights into disaster preparedness, resilience, youth engagement, and policy development.

The programme concluded with the PRC Pitch Presentations, where participants presented their research proposals to an expert panel. Following a competitive evaluation, five research projects were selected to receive grants to develop stronger, evidence-informed Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) policies.

Congratulations to all participants for their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to driving meaningful change through research and evidence-informed policymaking.
[Research Challenge, Bootcamp, Disaster Risk Reduction Pakistan, DRR initiatives, Youth Leadership Pakistan, Climate Resilience, Community Resilience, Youth for Change, Research for Impact, Generation Unlimited Pakistan, Policy Innovation,
Sustainable Development Pakistan]

The Policy Research Challenge; Adolescent Bootcamp is underway in Islamabad, bringing together 17 adolescents from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad for an immersive learning experience centered on this year’s theme: Disaster Risk Reduction.

Designed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to shape evidence-informed policies, the bootcamp is providing participants with opportunities to engage with policymakers, development practitioners, and subject matter experts. Through interactive sessions, collaborative group activities, and thought-provoking discussions, participants are exploring the intersection of research, policy, and youth-led action.

The bootcamp features engaging conversations with representatives from NDMA Pakistan, UNICEF Pakistan UNFPA Pakistan Generation Unlimited at UNICEF UNDP Pakistan and Prime Minister’s Youth Programme offering participants valuable insights into disaster preparedness, resilience, youth engagement, and policy development. These sessions encourage participants to critically examine real-world challenges, exchange diverse perspectives, and strengthen their ability to transform research into practical, actionable recommendations.

As the journey continues, these young changemakers are building the knowledge, confidence, and networks needed to contribute to more resilient communities and a more inclusive policy landscape.

Stay tuned for more highlights from the Policy Research Challenge – Adolescent Bootcamp.

[Research Challenge, Bootcamp, Disaster Risk Reduction Pakistan, DRR initiatives, Youth Leadership Pakistan, Climate Resilience, Community Resilience, Youth for Change, Research for Impact, Generation Unlimited Pakistan, Policy Innovation,
Sustainable Development Pakistan]

The 2-Day Digital Pre-Bootcamp for the Policy Research Challenge (PRC) 2026 has successfully concluded!

Over two days, adolescents and youth from across Pakistan were trained to strengthen their understanding of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and its sub-themes, Participatory Action Research (PAR), youth advocacy, and meaningful youth participation.

Through interactive discussions, collaborative learning, and critical reflection, participants explored community challenges, shared diverse perspectives, and built the foundational knowledge needed to contribute to evidence-based solutions and policy engagement.

As they move forward in their PRC journey, participants will continue refining their ideas and translating their learning into meaningful action for safer, more resilient communities.

We look forward to seeing the innovative research and advocacy initiatives that emerge from this inspiring cohort of young changemakers.

[Research Challenge, Digital Pre Bootcamp, Disaster Risk Reduction Pakistan, DRR initiatives, Youth Leadership Pakistan, Climate Resilience, Community Resilience, Youth for Change, Research for Impact, Generation Unlimited Pakistan, Policy Innovation, Sustainable Development Pakistan]

Young people are key partners in advancing human rights and shaping inclusive societies.

The School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights 🇵🇰 (MoHR) and UNDP Pakistan 🇵🇰 conducted in the Stakeholder Consultation Meeting and Launch of the Human Rights Internship Programme under the European Union Delegation to Pakistan 🇵🇰🇪🇺 funded Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Project.

Bringing together 52 participants from government institutions, academia, civil society, and development partners, the consultation provided a platform to strengthen collaboration around youth engagement, human rights education, and meaningful pathways for young graduates to contribute to public service.

Representatives from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad , Bahria University, SPARC, FAFEN Rivets Learning, IDEA, the Research Society of International Law (RSIL), NCSW , and the Human Rights Council of Pakistan joined the discussion, sharing insights on inclusive participation, academic partnerships, capacity building, and youth leadership.

The Human Rights Internship Programme aims to equip emerging professionals with practical experience while fostering a new generation of informed, skilled, and socially responsible human rights advocates.

Meet the Trainers for PRC 2026
They will be engaged throughout the full PRC learning cycle, where they will facilitate structured learning on Participatory Action Research (PAR), Youth Advocacy (YAG), and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)-focused policy engagement.
Their sustained engagement across all phases of the programme will ensure continuity, coherence, and a high standard of facilitation, enabling participants to develop strong conceptual and practical competencies in research, advocacy, and evidence-based policy development.

The Policy Research Challenge (PRC) 2026 journey has begun!
Selected youth and adolescent researchers from across Pakistan will join the Digital Pre-Bootcamp on 15–16 June. It is the beginning of a learning journey focused on research, advocacy, and meaningful youth participation.
Together, they will explore community challenges, strengthen their leadership skills, and build the foundation for youth-led research on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

The Policy & Innovation Lab is Pakistan's first National Youth Policy & Innovation Lab, a digital self-learning platform developed by United Nations partners under Generation Unlimited.
Designed to foster meaningful youth engagement, the platform brings together knowledge, innovation, and dialogue around policymaking and decision-making across social, political, and economic spheres.
Explore, learn, and be part of the conversations shaping the future.
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