Taqwa Ahmad appointed as first-ever Youth Advocate in Pakistan by UNICEF

Taqwa Ahmad – the 16-year-old activist, author, and motivational speaker – has been appointed as the first-ever Youth Advocate in Pakistan by UNICEF.

According to the media reports, Taqwa, who hails from Gujranwala in Punjab, is an advocate for peace, inclusivity, handicap rights, and education. The appointment, which was announced on World Children’s Day, encourages children to speak up and become change makers for children’s rights.

Taqwa Ahmad said, “I am honored and thrilled to be a UNICEF Youth Advocate. My mission is to raise the voices of young people, advocate for their rights, and empower others. I see a future in which every kid in Pakistan has access to high-quality education and healthcare, allowing them to thrive in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.”

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Taqwa will use her platform as a UNICEF Youth Advocate to raise awareness about child rights and youth challenges. Taqwa and five other child representatives recently met with Pakistan’s President, Dr. Arif Alvi, to share their top concerns for children as part of a UNICEF World Children’s Day program. The delegation included youngsters of all ages and backgrounds from all provinces and regions of Pakistan. They identified climate change, inclusive education, and gender equality as major concerns that require immediate action from leaders, decision-makers, and society as a whole to protect their futures.

UNICEF will continue to work with young people, activists, and advocates to help the next generation of change-makers create a more inclusive and equitable Pakistan, where all children’s rights are protected and upheld, and their true potential to secure a better future for all is recognized.