The Pak Asia Youth Forum (PAYF) successfully organized a regional hiking event last week under the banner of the newly launched PAYF Hike Club. The outing brought together nearly 20 participants representing universities and colleges across multiple Asian regions, reflecting the Forum’s commitment to cross-border youth engagement and public diplomacy.
The day’s program combined outdoor activity with community service and leadership development. Participants completed a scenic but accessible trail that encouraged teamwork and mutual support. Along the route the group conducted a community cleaning drive, collecting litter and removing debris from public areas to promote environmental stewardship and responsible outdoor recreation. The cleanup component underscored PAYF’s emphasis on sustainable practices and civic responsibility.
Following the hike, the event featured structured leadership sessions led by volunteer facilitators from participating institutions. These sessions focused on teamwork, goal-setting, and the role of youth in fostering regional cooperation. Interactive discussions and small-group exercises enabled attendees to reflect on personal leadership styles and to exchange ideas about organizing future community initiatives. A dedicated talk highlighted the physical and mental health benefits of regular hiking, including improved fitness, stress reduction, and enhanced resilience, encouraging participants to adopt hiking as a routine wellness practice.
The event achieved several key outcomes: strengthened interpersonal networks among young leaders from diverse backgrounds; heightened awareness of environmental responsibility in outdoor spaces; and practical leadership skills that participants can apply in campus and community settings. Feedback collected informally at the close of the day indicated strong interest in recurring hikes, collaborative projects, and expanded outreach to additional universities.
PAYF Hike Club will continue to build on this momentum by scheduling regular hikes, coordinating volunteer cleanups, and offering leadership workshops tailored to student organizers. The Forum remains committed to using outdoor engagement as a platform for public diplomacy, connecting youth across Asia through shared service, dialogue, and healthy activity. This inaugural hike exemplified PAYF’s mission to empower the next generation of regional leaders while promoting sustainable, community-centered action.
