Rising Leaders: Youth in Climate Leadership & Governance

Youth Assemblies

A fully funded 12-month programme for 200 young leaders across 4 districts of Punjab: Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Kot Addu, Jhang

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About the Programme

The Youth Assemblies (YA) programme is part of the "Rising Leaders" initiative, empowering youth aged 18-29 to engage in democratic governance, climate policy and community leadership in 4 districts of Punjab. This Programme is funded by the European Union and implemented by PILDAT in collaboration with co-partner SYCOP.

District
Muzaffargarh

50 Members

District
Layyah

50 Members

District
Kot Addu

50 Members

District
Jhang

50 Members

What Will You Gain?

Leadership & Public Speaking

Develop confidence in articulating your views, leading discussions, and inspiring action in your community.

Governance Understanding

Learn how democratic institutions operate at local, provincial, and national levels through hands-on simulation.

Structured Debates & Policy Recommendations

Participate in parliamentary-style debates, simulations, and policy drafting on climate, education, and governance challenges in your district.

Climate Action & District-Level Advocacy

Engage in climate-focused discussions, campaigns, and community initiatives while identifying and highlighting the specific climate challenges affecting your district.

Digital Advocacy Campaigns

Design and execute social media campaigns that raise awareness about critical local issues.

PILDAT Youth Alumni Network

Become part of PILDAT’s Youth Parliament Programme (YPP) alumni network, connecting you with a growing community of young leaders for meaningful civic impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Age: 18–29 Years

You must be between 18 and 29 years old as of 1 May 2026.

District Residency

Must be a resident of Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Kot Addu, or Jhang district.

Civic Interest

Interest in governance, climate change, and community development.

Full Commitment

Willingness to participate in all programme sessions over the full 12-month duration.

Language Proficiency

Must be able to speak and write in Urdu (reading, writing and speaking).

Valid ID (CNIC / B-Form)

Must possess a valid CNIC or B-Form as proof of identity and age.

Women, transgender individuals, Persons with disabilities(PWDs), religious minorities & youth from marginalised communities are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to ensuring diverse and inclusive representation.

Programme at a Glance

200
Young Leaders
4
Districts
12
Months Duration
100%
Funded

Programme Timeline

1

Application Open

Friday, April 24, 2026

Upload documents and submit your applications.

2

Application Deadline

Sunday, May 10, 2026

All applications must be received by 11:59 PM PST. Late submissions will not be accepted.

3

Selection and Notification

Monday, May 11, 2026 - Monday, May 25, 2026

Applications will be reviewed by our evaluation committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, and selected candidates will be notified via email.

4

In-Person Session 1

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - Friday, June 12, 2026

Two-day session for each district.

5

In-Person Session 2

TBD

Two-day session for each district.

Frequently Asked Questions

The YA programme is part of the "Rising Leaders: Youth in Climate Leadership & Governance" initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by PILDAT and SYCOP. It establishes Youth Assemblies in four districts of Punjab where 200 selected young people (50 per district) engage in structured governance, parliamentary simulations, climate advocacy, and community leadership over 12 months.
The programme will run over approximately 12 months, including two in-person sessions and engagement in activities between sessions.
No. Participation is fully funded, including travel, accommodation (if required), and meals during sessions. There is no fee for registration or for submitting an application.
Participants are expected to attend both in-person sessions and may be engaged in follow-up activities between sessions, including group work and digital advocacy initiatives.
No prior experience is required. However, interest in governance, climate issues, or community engagement is important.
Yes. Youth from diverse backgrounds, including those not currently in education or employment, are encouraged to apply.

Each application is reviewed and scored by our team. You will be assessed on:

  • How well you understand local issues
  • Your ability to think through problems
  • Your motivation and enthusiasm
  • Your leadership and initiative
  • Your potential for future civic or community leadership
  • Your community involvement
  • How clearly you communicate
  • Based on the performance in the interview (only for the shortlisted candidates)

We ensure fair representation from different areas of each district and encourage gender diversity in selection.

  • A passport-sized photograph (JPEG format, max 500KB)
  • A scanned copy of your CNIC or B-Form (JPEG format, max 500KB)
  • Five short written essays (max 200 words each), completed as part of the online form
Applicant will receive a confirmation e-mail after submitting his/her application.
Unfortunately, no. Key activities require in-person participation so hybrid participation is not feasible. All selected participants must be physically present in their assigned districts.

Ready to Step Up and Lead?

Take the first step toward becoming a youth leader in governance and climate action in your district.

Application Form
PILDAT × SYCOP × European Union