European Union to support Pakistani Civil Society with €7.23M to mitigate impact of COVID-19

Islamabad; 17 March 2021 – The European Union will support Pakistan’s Civil Society by co-financing three projects, for a total amount of 7 237 500 EUR,  to alleviate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on communities and increase the voice of youth in society.

The announcement follows the signing of three contracts by H.E. Ms. Androulla Kaminara, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan and the representatives of the main implementing partners: Agha Khan Foundation, Norwegian Church Aid and Deutsche Welthungerhilfe. The three projects were selected through a call for proposals launched in April 2020 and focus on Punjab, Sindh and Gilgit Baltistan.

In Pakistan, the virus is posing a threat to people’s lives, straining communities, overwhelming health systems and endangering livelihoods. Young people in particular, who make up a majority of Pakistan’s population, have been severely affected by the pandemic in terms of unemployment, increased gender inequalities, social exclusion and a diminished voice in the decision-making processes.

The projects aim to build Civil Society Organizations capacity to mobilise and engage youth, enhance involvement in decision-making, and improve access to economic opportunities for marginalized groups.

At the signing ceremony, Androulla Kaminara, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, said, “As the world continues to battle the COVID pandemic, it is important to focus our efforts on supporting the most vulnerable. Civil society organisations are important partners for the EU wherever we work, and have been crucial in Pakistan’s efforts to respond to the current crisis. The initiative leading to today’s successful proposals was one of the first concrete actions taken by the EU last year to alleviate the effects of the pandemic in the short and long term in Pakistan. The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on young people – which is reflected in the areas prioritised by these projects including youth engagement and economic empowerment.”

Dr Matt Reed, CEO of Agha Kahn Foundation (UK), said: “During this pandemic, in Pakistan and around the world, civil society has been vital: raising awareness, teaching people how to help their families and neighbours safely, protecting their communities from COVID-19. The Aga Khan Foundation is delighted to partner with the European Union in strengthening community organisations and civil society at this crucial time.”

In her speech, Anne Masterson, Country Director of the Norwegian Church Aid emphasized that, “Through this project young people will have opportunities to improve and diversify their skills, obtain training and establish livelihoods. Youth, particularly young women, will become more effective change agents by strengthening their voice within their communities and in the wider society.”

Aisha Jamshed, Country Director of Deutsche Welthungerhilfe, stated that, “Through the project, CSOs will build the skills of young men and women, provide them with income opportunities and giving them a voice by advocating for improved service delivery with Local Authorities. Welthungerhilfe values the consistent contribution of the European Union to the organization over the past ten years, along with EUs contribution to the civil society development across Pakistan.”

In Pakistan, the EU is committed to a stable, democratic and pluralistic country that respects human rights and benefits from its full economic potential by supporting sustainable and inclusive development for all its citizens. The EU provides Pakistan with about €100 million annually in grants for development and cooperation. Among other issues, the EU supports Pakistan in its efforts to tackle poverty, increase education, promote good governance, human rights, rule of law and ensure sustainable management of natural resources. EU-funded projects cover all of Pakistan with a special focus on Sindh and Balochistan.

About the projects:

Building Resilience of Civil Society and Youth to Covid-19 in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral

Implemented in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral by the Aga Khan Foundation, in partnership with Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Organizations to engage youth and deliver social services, support microenterprises and farmer groups (particularly youth and women led) and to enhance youth engagement in decision-making and youth leadership in society. The EU contribution amounts to 2 250 000 EUR over a period of 4 years.

Power to the youth: Socially and economically empowered youth, along with CSOs, serve as change agents in five districts to meet developmental and governance challenges arising due to the spread COVID19

This project, implemented by the Norwegian Church Aid with three local partners (Civil Society Support Programme, Rozan and Shirakat) will support Civil Society and youth in Punjab, Sindh and the Federal Capital Territory. With a total EU contribution of 2 487 500 EUR, this 4 year project aims to create an enabling environment for youth, facilitate technological and economic empowerment of young people and mobilise Civil Society to mainstream inclusion and active participation of youth in society.

CSOs Building Resilience through Improved Delivery, Governance and Empowerment Programme (The CSO’s-BRIDGE Programme)

Implemented for 3.5 years by Deutsche Welthungerhilfe in collaboration with Concern Worldwide, Thardeep Rural Development Program in Hyderabad, Farmers Development Organization in Multan and Lodhran Pilot Project in Bahawalpur. With a total EU contribution of 2 500 000 EUR, the programme seeks to strengthen CSOs’ capacity to mobilize and engage youth, local authorities and other stakeholders, increase the cooperation between community and local authorities towards transparent delivery of services and improve access to economic opportunities for disadvantaged youth, females, persons with disabilities, transgender and other minorities.