ISLAMABAD: As many as 700 youth, including 375 women, from two tribal districts of KP have been imparted market-driven vocational training. Supported by the government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) concluded the vocational and technical skill training programme designed to empower youth from Kurram and Orakzai districts. The closing ceremony was held in Islamabad on Thursday. The three-month programme equipped 700 young individuals, including 375 women, with hands-on skills such as cell phone repair, LED bulb assembly, eco-friendly packaging, jewellery making, motorcycle repair, electrician, plumbing, solar system, and UPS installation. The youth received certificates and customised toolkits to help them apply their skills to start small businesses or secure employment opportunities. Speaking on the occasion, Rana Mashood, Chairman of Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, said “I am delighted to see that 375 women have been trained in hands-on skills. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I would like to express our gratitude to the government of Japan, the UNDP and SRSP for their valuable contribution.” Van Nguyen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative said, “We are confident that this project will foster gender-sensitive economic recovery in the region and contribute to its long-term stability.” ITO Takeshi, Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan, said that the partnership between Japan and UNDP had enabled them to support projects that build strong communities and bring positive change. Our key initiatives have focused on creating safe spaces for women to engage in community decision-making and access economic opportunities. “Through these interventions, we have enabled women to take on more active roles contributing to social cohesion and economic stability. Our development partnership is based on the principle of ‘Leave No One Behind.”