The APF United Nations Initiative
UN Fellowship Program 2025
The American Pakistan Foundation (APF) is pleased to announce the call for applications for the APF United Nations 2025 Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship is designed to give exposure to students to the inner workings of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and empower themselves to advocate for and explore social and economic issues surrounding the Pakistani-American diaspora. Applications are due 11:59 PM EST, December 30, 2024.
UN Fellowship Program 2024
meet our apf un initiative 2024 fellows
Meet the APF UN 2024 Fellows! This fellowship is designed to give exposure to students to the inner workings of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and empower themselves to advocate for and explore social and economic issues surrounding the Pakistani-American diaspora.
In July 2024, APF UN Fellows held a roundtable webinar with Dr. Tobias Haque, Lead Country Economist and
Program Leader for Pakistan at the World Bank, and Jumaina Siddiqui, a US foreign policy and defense program expert and former Senior Program Officer of South Asia at the United States Institute of Peace. Hosted by APF Fellow Mustafa Ahmad, the event was titled ”Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises,” addressing The United Nations Economic and Social Council's (ECOSOC) annual theme of eradicating poverty in developing countries, such as Pakistan, amidst the numerous global crises we face today.
research projects:
APF UN Fellows completed a six-week long research project to understand how transparency in electoral processes affects the progress towards democracy and sustainable development goals in developing countries.
Another pair of fellows examined how mandatory voting in Brazil and Australia has implications for democratic governance and development.
About the Fellowship Program:
In June 2019, the American Pakistan Foundation (APF) achieved Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Affairs Council (ECOSOC). This recognition empowers APF to engage the international community on vital policies and initiatives concerning Pakistan and Pakistani Americans. Through our United Nations Initiative, APF actively participates in civil society dialogues, advocates for policy changes, and strives to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
The APF UN Fellowship is a six-month fellowship program that aims to give selected fellows a chance to understand APF’s role within ECOSOC and provides a chance to champion social and economic causes, delving deeper into the significance and implications of issues that affect our diaspora. Fellows will have the opportunity to attend in-person and virtual UN conferences, submit written statements to the United Nations, publish reports, receive mentorship, engage in thoughtful discussions, and establish lasting connections.
“Through our APF UN Fellowship Program, we enable students to actively participate in UN conferences, ensuring their voices are heard on policy matters, resulting in a positive impact on their development and the broader discourse.”
The APF United Nations Initiative
Purpose
In June 2019, APF received Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Affairs Council (ECOSOC), enabling it to engage the international community at the United Nations on policies and initiatives related to APF’s focus on Pakistan.
Through our United Nations Initiative, APF participates in civil society dialogues hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
The APF United Nations Initiative also provides opportunities for the Pakistani American community, especially its youth, to contribute to UN dialogues.
The program elevates important Pakistan-focused issues related to the Sustainable Development Framework, the United Nations blueprint for ending poverty worldwide.
CIVIL SOCIETY COLLABORATION
Civil society organizations interested in collaborating with APF on the UN initiative should contact un@americanpakistan.org.
OUR WORK & United Nations Sustainable development goals
Reduced Inequalities
APF UN Fellows attended the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March 2024 at the General Assembly in New York.
The CSW 2024 theme was “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”
APF Research Fellows attended the 58th Commission on Social Development at the United Nations in New York.
APF attended the 60th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Youth Forum at the United Nations.
“Reduce inequality within and among countries”
How Digital Technologies Can Advance Social Justice & Reduce Poverty in Pakistan; U.N. Commission on Social Development 59, February 2021
The Impact of Affordable Housing & Social Protection Systems on Homelessness; U.N. Commission on Social Development 58, February 2020
Social Protection is the Key to Eradicating Poverty in Pakistan, U.N. Commission on Social Development 56, February 2018
Partnerships for the Goals
“Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development”
APF official submission on the New Agenda for Peace, submitted ahead of the Summit of the Future 2024 and the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review, September 2023
The Importance of Civil Society Engagement in the U.N. High Level Political Forum, U.N. General Assembly 2nd Committee High Level Political Forum, April 2016
Engagement Between Pakistani Civil Society and the Government, U.N. ECOSOC Meeting on SDGs Coming to Life, September 2016
Gender Equality
“Achieve gender equality and empower all women & girls”
Fostering Pakistani Women’s Full Participation and Decision-Making in Public Life, 65th U.N. Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, March 2021
Engaging Pakistani Women in Agricultural and Rural Development, 62nd U.N. Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, March 2018
Open Letter to the Permanent Representations of the Member States of the United Nations on Women, Peace & Security, U.N. Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security, October 2017
Gender Equality in Pakistan, 60th U.N. Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, March 2016