CAIRO: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the critical role of a country's youth in driving its economic development during his address at the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) in Cairo on Thursday.

While speaking at the summit, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation. He highlighted the importance of the D-8 as a platform for cooperation, especially at a time when the world faces numerous challenges. The Prime Minister stressed the significance of investing in youth and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to foster economic growth. "Youth and SMEs are the key drivers of economic development in any society. By investing in both, we can build inclusive and robust economies ready for global challenges," he said.

PM Shehbaz pointed out that with over 60% of Pakistan's population under the age of 30, the country possesses immense potential for innovation and growth. He stressed that supporting the youth and SMEs was essential for Pakistan's socioeconomic progress. In addition to economic issues, PM Shehbaz raised concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing that peace and prosperity in the region-and globally-cannot be achieved without it. The Prime Minister also mentioned the situation in Lebanon and warned of potential further instability in the region due to Israel's actions. PM Shehbaz arrived in Cairo for the three-day D-8 summit, where he is leading the Pakistan delegation. Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by Egypt's Minister for Public Business Sector, Mohamed Shimi, along with senior Egyptian officials and representatives from the Pakistan Embassy in Cairo.