Recognized among 30 outstanding young people from across Pakistan, Aniqa received this prestigious national honour in recognition of her international representation of Pakistan, leadership in youth development, and continued commitment to climate governance, gender equality, and meaningful youth participation. Her achievement marks a significant moment of pride for APWA, Sindh, and Pakistan, highlighting the growing role of young Pakistani women in national and international leadership.

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A Historic Recognition of Youth Leadership

The Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award recognizes young Pakistanis who have demonstrated exceptional contributions and leadership in their respective fields. Aniqa Adil’s recognition reflects years of work focused on creating greater opportunities for young people, particularly young women, to participate in leadership, diplomacy, climate action, and community development. As APWA’s Youth Chairperson, Aniqa has played an active role in strengthening youth engagement within the organization and building a network of more than 600 youth volunteers working across a range of areas, including climate action, environmental justice, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, digital literacy, civic engagement, and youth leadership. Her work reflects APWA’s longstanding commitment to empowering women and young people and creating pathways for them to contribute meaningfully to society.

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Representing Pakistan on Global Platforms

Over the past year, Aniqa has represented Pakistan across 12 countries, participating in international youth forums, high-level meetings, diplomatic platforms, and global discussions as a keynote youth speaker, panelist, and advocate. Her international engagements have included participation in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69 and CSW70) in New York, where she contributed to discussions surrounding women’s rights, gender equality, and youth participation.

She also represented Pakistan at COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she advocated for climate justice and greater representation of the Global South in global climate discussions. Beyond these platforms, Aniqa has participated in international youth and diplomatic forums across the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Through these engagements, she has brought attention to issues including youth participation, climate action, gender equality, and the concerns and priorities of young people from the Global South. Her international affiliations include the International Council of Women (ICW), UNESCO, PPSEAWA (Pan Pacific South East Asia Women’s Association), and the Commonwealth Women’s Network.

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A Voice for Young People and the Global South

Upon receiving the Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award, Aniqa emphasized the importance of ensuring that young people and voices from the Global South are represented in the spaces where major decisions about the future are made.

 

“The Pakistani voice — the Global South voice — must never be absent from the tables where futures are decided. This recognition is validation that young people can be taken seriously as decision-makers and diplomats, not just as observers.”

 

Her words reflect the central theme of her work: creating meaningful opportunities for young people to move beyond participation as observers and become active contributors and decision-makers at national and international levels.

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Strengthening Youth Leadership Through APWA

Aniqa’s work within APWA focuses on creating stronger pathways for youth participation and leadership. Through her role as Youth Chairperson, she leads a growing network of more than 600 youth volunteers engaged in initiatives related to climate action, environmental justice, gender equality, women's economic empowerment, digital literacy, civic engagement, and youth leadership. Her efforts are also aimed at strengthening the participation of young women within APWA and providing them with greater opportunities to develop leadership skills, engage with their communities, and contribute to social development. This work aligns closely with APWA’s broader mission of empowering women and supporting their meaningful participation in the development of society.

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Academic Excellence and Expertise

Aniqa’s leadership is supported by a strong academic background in sustainable development and climate governance.

She holds a BSc in Sustainable Development Policy from Habib University, Karachi, as well as a specialized Diploma in Climate Governance and Law from the University of Cambridge. Her academic and professional interests have enabled her to contribute to international conversations on climate policy, sustainable development, youth participation, and gender equality, while bringing a Pakistani and Global South perspective to these discussions.

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A Moment of Pride for Sindh and Karachi

Aniqa’s recognition is also a source of immense pride for Sindh and Karachi, highlighting the contribution of young leaders from the province to national and international platforms. Her journey demonstrates the potential of young Pakistani women to represent the country with confidence and contribute to conversations taking place on some of the world's most important issues. Dr. Tanvir Kamal, President of APWA, congratulated Aniqa on receiving the award and expressed pride in her achievements.

 

“Aniqa represents the future of Pakistan. We are immensely proud of her achievements and hope her recognition inspires other young Pakistanis, particularly young women, to step forward and take on leadership roles at the national and international level.”

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The recognition therefore extends beyond an individual achievement. It represents the possibilities that open up when young people are given the confidence, platforms, and opportunities to lead.

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Looking Toward 2027: Building a Youth Diplomatic Corps

While the award recognizes Aniqa’s achievements to date, she views it as a foundation for further work. One of her future priorities is the development of a Youth Diplomatic Corps, aimed at providing young Pakistanis with opportunities to receive training and prepare for meaningful participation in international forums. The initiative reflects her vision of creating a stronger institutional pathway through which young Pakistanis can develop diplomatic, leadership, and advocacy skills and represent the country on international platforms. Speaking about the work ahead,

 

Aniqa said:

“This award is momentum for the work ahead. By 2027, we will have built institutional infrastructure so that young people can represent Pakistan in global spaces as a matter of course, not as an exception.”

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This vision reinforces the importance of investing in young people not only as future leaders, but as contributors who can actively shape Pakistan’s role in global discussions today.

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APWA’s Congratulations to Aniqa Adil

The All Pakistan Women’s Association warmly congratulates Aniqa Adil on receiving the Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award and recognizes this achievement as a proud moment for the entire APWA community. Her journey reflects the values of leadership, service, advocacy, and empowerment that APWA continues to promote. Her work demonstrates the impact young women can make when they are given opportunities to lead, represent their communities, and participate in decision-making at the highest levels. APWA wishes Aniqa continued success in her efforts to advance youth and women’s development, promote meaningful youth participation, and represent Pakistan with distinction on national and international platforms. Her recognition is not only a celebration of what she has achieved, but also an inspiration for the next generation of young Pakistanis to step forward, lead with purpose, and contribute towards a stronger and more inclusive Pakistan.

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