Pakistan’s youth face a range of complex challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and employment, alongside persistent gender inequality and issues of social cohesion. Sport for Development (S4D) has emerged as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, fostering community engagement, strengthening social bonds, and advancing gender equality.

Since 2022, the Sport for Development Programme has been actively working in Pakistan, implementing a multi-layered approach to S4D. At the community level, approximately 300 individuals have been trained as S4D coaches, equipping them to promote peaceful coexistence and gender equality within their communities. At the governmental level, the Elementary and Secondary Education Department (E&SED) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CAR) have been supported through the development of two capacity-building resources. Additionally, the S4D approach has been integrated into 120 government schools through capacity-building training, mentorship, supervision sessions, and the provision of sports equipment.

In the KP region, 24 Youth Ambassadors have been trained to act as multipliers at both the governmental and community levels. Using the S4D approach, they promote inclusion, peaceful conflict resolution, gender equality, and social cohesion.

Furthermore, with support from the adidas Foundation, 30 young leaders and 30 government schools have received training on using the S4D approach to promote gender equality. By sensitizing children and youth at both the school and community levels, this initiative has engaged more than 10,000 young people in Sport for Gender Equality activities.