Eco-Entrepreneurship (EE)

Pakistan has consistently ranked among the top 10 most vulnerable countries to the impact of climate change. The social, economic, and environmental setbacks due to climate-induced disasters are expected to get worse under the business-as-usual pathways. The key to finding solutions to climate problems is innovation. With over 64 percent of the population below the age of 30, Pakistan has a major demographic advantage that can be capitalized to transition towards a climate-resilient country. Engagement of youth in green innovative enterprises would give momentum to the process of eco-system restoration, provide solutions for responsible resource-use, and sensitize the society at large for the need for environmental protection. It will also lower youth unemployment and channelize their energies in gainful activities; thus contributing to positive social and economic spill-over effects.

Moreover, it will ensure the inclusion of youth’s voice in designing a climate-compatible future, which is integral for the social and economic wellbeing of this sizeable segment of the population. To this end, IoU aims to:

• Provide enabling environment and platforms for youth to co-create solutions for damages caused to the ecosystem due to excessive resource consumption patterns, transport sector, unwarranted waste production, and linear economy
• Collaborate and assist the existing youth-led initiatives of the Government of Pakistan – especially Kamyab Jawan and establish a link of environment and urban development to youth development
• Cooperate with the public and private actors for women-led eco-enterprise initiatives