The Youth Development Foundation (YDF) successfully hosted a dynamic one-day orientation session for District Governance Forums (DGFs) under its Minority Civic Agents Program (MCAP) at Indigo Heights Hotel in Lahore.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Sonia Ashir, Parliamentary Secretary for HR & MA, Ali Bahadur, Secretary of HR & MA, former Minister for HR & MA former minister Ijaz Alarm Augustine, as well as Muhammad Yousaf and Urooj Jahangir, Program Manager at YDF, who served as moderators.The session was inaugurated by Shahid Rahmat, Executive Director of YDF, who provided an insightful overview of the significance of the District Governance Forums.
He highlighted the vital role these forums play in ensuring inclusive governance, offering a platform for meaningful citizen engagement, especially for marginalized communities. Rahmat emphasized that DGFs would serve as essential instruments in fostering collaboration between local governance bodies and minority communities, ultimately ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.
Sonia Ashir, Parliamentary Secretary for HR & MA, praised the efforts of YDF and expressed her support for the District Governance Forums. She stated, “District Governance Forums are a vital step toward empowering minorities and ensuring their meaningful participation in local governance.
This initiative helps build a more inclusive and fair society, where every citizen can contribute to decision-making processes.”Ali Bahadur, Secretary of HR & MA, commended the establishment of the DGFs, emphasizing that inclusive governance is fundamental to creating a just society.
“YDF’s efforts are paving the way for stronger minority representation, allowing for a more responsive and equitable governance system,” Bahadur said.Former Minister for Minorities, Ijaz Alarm Augustine, also spoke at the event, calling the DGFs a “remarkable initiative” that will ensure the protection of minority rights and give their voices a platform in local governance. He noted, “This initiative will foster stronger collaboration between the community and government, paving the way for inclusive development and social harmony.” During the event, facilitators delivered a detailed presentation on the Minority Civic Agents Program, emphasizing the pivotal role of DGFs in creating a more transparent, accountable, and responsive government. The session also covered actionable strategies designed to strengthen partnerships between government officials and community representatives.
A thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Government and Community Collaboration” was a key highlight of the session.
The interactive discussion brought together experts from various sectors who shared practical insights on how government and community leaders can work together to address pressing challenges.
The panel stressed the importance of sustained partnerships to improve service delivery and foster social equity.The event also saw active participation from officials representing various key government departments. Among the attendees were Abdul Latif, Director of WASA; Ghulam Qadir Razzaki, Assistant Director of NADRA; Zeeshan Khokhar, Assistant Director of FIA; as well as officials from the Local Government & Community Development, Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), and the Social Welfare Department. These representatives not only provided insights into their respective departments’ services but also shared their commitment to addressing the service delivery challenges faced by minority communities.The session concluded with a lively Q&A segment, where participants raised pertinent questions and shared their ideas, reflecting the depth of engagement and enthusiasm from all parties.
