A Pakistani social innovator has been recognised for her work, as one of ten winners of the prestigious One Young World’s $500,000 fund for sustainable development initiatives. 

Nida Yousaf Sheikh, known for her work as CEO of Tayaba Welfare International Association, a Lahore-based non-profit bringing sanitation facilities and tackling climate challenges in Pakistan, was recognised at the annual One Young World Summit in Belfast. 

The award recognises Sheikh, among a host of young leaders from across the world, improving social impact and working towards the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). Sheikh’s work includes an array of solutions for water and sanitation problems for half a million individuals in rural Pakistan. 

The One Young World conference was attended by more than 4,000 young leaders from around the world. 

Funding from the award will go towards will implement a range of innovative solutions, including H2O wheels, hygiene kits, and solar water facilities, all underpinned by cutting-edge blockchain technology. 

One Young World’s LEAD 2030 Challenge is a global initiative with a mission to accelerate solutions for SDGs, driven by the next generation of community leaders.  

“Despite Pakistan having one of the largest youth populations globally, our representation at the prestigious One Young World Summit has been limited. I encourage young change-makers in Pakistan to step up, embrace innovation, and collaborate for a more significant impact,” Sheikh told GeoNews. 

SDG’s will come under the spotlight at the upcoming UN COP28 in the UAE. This year’s COP will host a dedicated business and philanthropy climate forum, the first of its kind to take place.    

Shafi Musaddique is a news editor at Alliance magazine.  

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