Global Careers Alliance Roundtable Gathering discussing Punjab Skills Opportunities
Global Careers Alliance Roundtable Gathering discussing Punjab Skills Opportunities
From Pakistan to Saudi Arabia: Building Pathways for the Next Generation, Safaraz Ali Co-founder and CEO convenes leaders to discuss Pakistan’s youth potential and how it can be made into a global opportunity.
The Global Careers Alliance, brought together an exclusive group of leaders this week for a private roundtable discussion in Birmingham, focused on connecting Pakistan’s vast youth population with international career opportunities- particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
Pakistan is the fifth most populous nation in the world, with over 240 million people. Crucially, 65% of its population is under the age of 35. Safaraz Ali, Co-Founder of the Global Careers Alliance, described this as Pakistan’s “greatest asset, its demographic dividend.”
Yet challenges remain. Fewer than 6% of young people have access to formal vocational training, and almost half of employers report critical skills gaps. Youth unemployment hovers above 12%, underlining the urgency of building international pathways.
Global Careers Alliance vision
Speaking at the roundtable, Safaraz Ali explained:
“This is not just about sending workers abroad – it is about creating skilled professionals who represent Pakistan with pride, dignity, and competence. By connecting Pakistan’s young talent with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UK’s expertise, we are building pathways that transform individual lives, strengthen families, and uplift communities.”
Co-Founder Waheed Azam added that the Alliance was created out of a shared belief that Pakistan’s human capital can and should be a global resource:
“We want to move beyond rhetoric and deliver practical partnerships that open doors for Pakistani youth, while meeting international labour demands in a sustainable and credible way.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is forecast to generate more than one million jobs in the construction sector alone in the coming years, with demand in trades such as masonry, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. The Global Careers Alliance believes Pakistani talent is ideally positioned to contribute to this transformation.
Looking forward
The Alliance confirmed it is working with public and private training providers in Pakistan to deliver international-standard vocational programmes. Its ambition is to become a trusted partner for governments and employers across borders, ensuring that Pakistani youth can access dignified, rewarding employment opportunities abroad.
As the evening closed, attendees agreed that the scale of opportunity is extraordinary – but only if young people are given the right skills and pathways.
The Global Careers Alliance, powered by Pathway Group, will continue to host targeted forums and build global partnerships to ensure that Pakistan’s youth potential is translated into performance, prosperity, and progress.
