Microsoft Pakistan to collaborate with UNDP for youth-development

Microsoft Pakistan, a global leader in technology and innovation, has recently signed an MOU in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The primary objective of this partnership is to complement each other’s efforts to benefit the youth of Pakistan as well as the broader community.

Microsoft has a comprehensive philanthropy programme that pursues social well-being through innovative technologies. It invests generously to improve the quality of an ordinary man’s life. Similarly, UNDP is working with the Government of Pakistan, civil society, development partners and the people of Pakistan to help find solutions to persistent development challenges.

Mr. Abid Zaidi – Country Head of Microsoft Pakistan stated:

“At Microsoft, we believe in sharing our success with the communities, wherever we operate. This collaboration with the UNDP will play a vital role in helping the youth and various other communities. With this joint effort, UNDP and Microsoft aim to work on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to create opportunities for the youth, which will go a long way in accelerating national progress.”

Under the agreement, Microsoft and UNDP will recognize opportunities to work on their existing programmes, whereby combining the innovative technologies from Microsoft, with the development experience of UNDP to help the youth of Pakistan. Both the organizations will harness ICT solutions to enable skills development and provide broader access to employment, as they work on income-generation and digital-literacy. Technology-enabled training for youth and adults is a proven strategy for faster economic growth in developing countries.

Moreover, this partnership will work on enhancing the business-incubation programmes for youth, whereby focusing on education with easier access to the remote areas. Microsoft and UNDP will also work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)which focus on key areas including; poverty-alleviation, democratic governance, and peace-building, climate-change, disaster-risk and economic inequality.

Mr. Ignacio Artaza – Country Director of UNDP in Pakistan stated:

“We are excited to be a part of this collaboration with Microsoft where we will join forces to work towards achieving the SDGs by promoting youth employment, digital literacy, and innovation.”