Islamabad, 16 February 2024 (TDI): The Country Representative of the UNAIDS in Pakistan, welcomed the 5th International Young Diplomats School (IYDS) participants today.
The Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS) launched the International Young Diplomats School (IYDS) as a ground-breaking program to highlight the value of diplomacy in the rapidly evolving, globally connected world.
UNAIDS plays a role in Pakistan in addressing and combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. UNAIDS collaborates with the government of Pakistan, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to implement strategies aimed at preventing the spread of HIV, providing care and support to those affected, and working towards reducing the stigma associated with the virus.
It has focused on advocating for effective policies, ensuring access to healthcare services, promoting awareness and education, and fostering community engagement.
UNAIDS is the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, which leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.
Moreover, it unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations and works closely with global and national partners. According to the latest data from UNAIDS, Pakistan has an estimated 190,000 people living with HIV, of whom only 16,000 (8%) are receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Furthermore, the number of new HIV infections in Pakistan increased by 57% between 2010 and 2019, making it the country with the second fastest-growing AIDS epidemic in the Asia Pacific region.
In addition, UNAIDS continues to work with the government and partners in Pakistan to strengthen the response in the country.
International Young Diplomats School
The Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS) launched the International Young Diplomats School (IYDS) as a ground-breaking program to highlight the value of diplomacy in the rapidly evolving, globally connected world.
It is the 5th International Diplomats School, where participants are given opportunities to interact with Ambassadors of different Embassies.
IPDS has organized the Fifth Edition of the IYDS from 13-16 February 2024 in Islamabad. The participants are young professionals with diverse backgrounds, students, and faculty members across Pakistan.
Also Read: Ambassador of Portugal engages IYDS on Sustainable Development
During the School, the participants will be meeting hosted by Ambassadors of different countries at their offices. You can see details about the program here, especially our earlier cohorts. You can also see our profile here.
IYDS is based on the model of the Public Diplomacy approach for offering an opportunity for Diplomatic Missions to meet diverse groups of professionals and young people from across Pakistan having various ethnic, religious, linguistic, and regional backgrounds.
Hence, they offer diplomatic missions to increase their outreach and interaction with young people from across Pakistan.
On the other hand, IYDS offers young people the opportunity to meet ambassadors and diplomats to learn more about countries and build stronger relationships while returning to their communities.
The group of 16-20 participants, ages 18-40, having diverse academic and professional backgrounds from different regions of Pakistan, joined to be part of the program.
The program includes visits to diplomatic missions in Islamabad and information sessions with Ambassadors, Diplomats, and other Embassy staff.
Ambassadors and Diplomats will share insights about their missions, countries, and opportunities for education, development, and trade with the participants.
