Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday met the three winners of the PACT Foundation’s Scholar Programme, who have been selected to represent Goa and India at the QS Youth Impact Summit 2025 in London, UK.
Sawant highlighted the State government’s support for youth leadership and sustainability-focused initiatives for Goan students.
During the interaction, the chief minister congratulated the students and emphasised the growing importance of sustainability research along with environmental stewardship, and youth-led innovation.
He encouraged the students to explore global best practices during their visit to London and return with fresh ideas to contribute meaningfully to Goa’s development.
“Not everyone receives an opportunity like this. Make the most of it, learn deeply, and bring that knowledge back to our community,” he advised.
PACT Foundation is a Goa-based NGO dedicated to uplifting the education sector and has been driving several school-upgradation and youth-development initiatives across Goa, including its flagship Happy School Project.
As part of its mission to empower young Goans, PACT organised the PACT Scholar Programme for the QS Youth Impact Summit 2025, conducting a statewide competition across colleges in September and October, followed by rigorous interviews.
From this selection process, three outstanding students were chosen to represent Goa at the global summit in London. The three selected scholars are Sumaiya Khan (St Xavier’s College, Mapusa), Andrea Cardoso (Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim), and Raisa Mariette Pinto (V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Panaji).
Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of PACT Foundation, briefed the chief minister on PACT Foundation’s broader work in Goa. He highlighted PACT’s commitment to empowering young Goans under the Yuva Shakti movement, aligned with the national vision of developing globally aware and socially responsible youth leaders.
The chief minister presented a commemorative certificate of recognition to the three students and wished them success as ambassadors of Goa on the global stage.
The ceremony was also attended by other PACT Foundation members, Amelia Ferrao (Co-Founder) and Darryl Fernandes (Project Executive).
