Core Strategic Pillars

Peace, Diplomacy, and Civic Engagement

Our mission is to strengthen meaningful youth participation in governance, peacebuilding, and regional development across South Asia by equipping young leaders with the knowledge, platforms, and opportunities needed to influence decision making processes at local, national, and regional levels. We focus on building a generation of informed, responsible, and visionary youth who actively contribute to shaping inclusive public policies, democratic institutions, and sustainable peace structures.

Through capacity building programs, diplomatic engagement initiatives, and structured youth-led dialogue platforms, we promote civic responsibility, ethical leadership, and constructive conflict-resolution practices. We strive to create safe spaces where young people can exchange ideas, collaborate across borders, and jointly address regional challenges including social inequality, climate vulnerability, peace and security issues, and barriers to youth representation.

Climate Action and Environmental Resilience

We are committed to supporting youth led initiatives that champion environmental protection, climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management across South Asia. By empowering young innovators, researchers, and community leaders, we aim to advance practical climate solutions and encourage responsible stewardship of natural resources. Our work focuses on building climate conscious leadership through capacity building, awareness campaigns, green innovation programs, and community resilience projects. We also foster regional cooperation and knowledge sharing among youth from different South Asian countries to address shared environmental risks, such as climate-induced disasters, water scarcity, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Through meaningful youth participation and cross border collaboration, we envision a greener, more resilient, and sustainable future for our region.

Education, Skills, and Innovation

Advancing equitable access to quality education, digital literacy, and modern skills development for youth across South Asia. This initiative promotes innovation in science, technology, entrepreneurship, and future ready workforce training, ensuring young people gain the competencies and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global environment. By fostering inclusive learning systems, strengthening skill-building pathways, and accelerating youth driven innovation, the effort supports a knowledgeable, empowered, and competitive generation equipped to drive sustainable development and regional progress.

Health, Well being, and Social Inclusion

Promoting youth mental and physical health through awareness, prevention, and access to well being resources, while supporting initiatives that strengthen emotional resilience, healthy lifestyles, and community based health support systems. Advocating for inclusive, safe, and equitable societies that uphold the rights, dignity, and opportunities of all young people, with special focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups, including those affected by socio economic barriers, disability, displacement, and discrimination. Efforts emphasize youth empowerment, equal access to services, and a culture of respect, protection, and social inclusion across South Asia.n

Cultural Exchange and Regional People to People Connectivity

Strengthening connections among South Asian youth through cultural exchange, leadership networks, and collaborative initiatives that encourage shared learning and partnership. Promoting mutual understanding, cross-border dialogue, and cooperative action to foster a cohesive and united regional youth community, capable of driving social progress, peace, and sustainable development across South Asia. These efforts emphasize inclusivity, respect for diversity, and the creation of lasting networks that empower young people to collaborate beyond national boundaries.

Founder & President 

Faiz Ullah

Founder & President SA8+1 South Asia Youth Council

Faiz Ullah is the visionary Founder and President of SA8+1, a pioneering youth leadership platform established in January 2025 to connect and empower young leaders across South Asia including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, and Kyrgyzstan. Under his leadership, SA8+1 has launched cross-border youth dialogues, leadership initiatives, and SDG focused campaigns on education, peacebuilding, and regional diplomacy, directly impacting over 600 emerging leaders. He has facilitated multi country partnerships, significantly improving youth participation in diplomacy and sustainable development by 50%, and has positioned SA8+1 as a key driver of regional youth engagement and cross-border cooperation.