As part of the project “Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship,” Shehri – Citizens for a Better Environment conducted a Knowledge Session on May 8, 2025, at the Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MITE). The session was held in collaboration with MITE’s Department of Business and Management Sciences, bringing together students eager to explore their roles within Pakistan’s civic and governance landscape.
The workshop was designed to expand students’ understanding of the governance system, the role of public institutions, and the importance of citizen participation in shaping inclusive policies. Participants were introduced to the key components of governance – including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches – as well as the dynamics between formal governance actors and informal influencers within policy processes.
Through engaging discussions and interactive working groups, students examined the concept of the social contract and reflected on the implications of top-down, exclusionary decision-making structures. The session provided a platform for them to express their views on citizenship, rights, and responsibilities, and to analyze how youth engagement can influence democratic development and accountability.
The event successfully fostered civic curiosity and encouraged proactive thinking among students. It served as a meaningful step toward developing a youth-driven model of civic education that can be replicated across academic institutions in Pakistan.
