Peshawar (Khyber Mail): The National Centre of Excellence in Geology (NCEG) at the University of Peshawar hosted a one-day symposium titled “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future” on November 21, 2024, to address critical issues related to climate resilience, sustainable development, and disaster management. The event, organized in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority, and Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, brought together experts, academicians, and professionals from across the country.
In his opening address, Prof. Dr. Laiqat Ali, Director of NCEG, highlighted the significance of education and innovation in tackling climate challenges. He underscored NCEG’s role in advancing academic research and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
The symposium featured several notable speakers, including Ms. Nusrat Naseeb, CEO of Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan, who shared insights into the agency’s disaster resilience initiatives, particularly in Northern Pakistan and Gwadar, Balochistan. Prof. Dr. Qasim Jan, Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peshawar and Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, stressed the urgency of water conservation and the role of youth in safeguarding Pakistan’s water resources. Other speakers included Prof. Dr. Amjad Ur Rahman, Climate Change Advisor for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who discussed building climate-resilient infrastructure and communities, and Dr. Saad Khan from NCEG, who presented lessons learned from the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake. Prof. Dr. Shahid Azam of the University of Regina, Canada, emphasized sustainable development and soil conservation.
The symposium also included contributions from professors at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar, who provided valuable perspectives on geohazards and climate change. The event was moderated by Col. Sami Malik of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, academics, and professionals.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Dr. Qasim Jan praised the collaborative efforts of all participating institutions and emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing climate change and disaster preparedness. Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Shah, Chairman of the Department of Earth Sciences at Quaid-i-Azam University, presented a vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of the speakers and organizers. The symposium concluded with the distribution of shields by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan to key contributors, recognizing their dedication to advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in Pakistan.