SWABI: The China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre on Earth Sciences (CPJRC) and the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing their collaborative efforts within the domains of earth and engineering sciences.

The agreement was signed by Prof Su Li-jun Peng, Deputy Director of CPJRC, and Prof Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Rector GIKI, during an event held at the Institute, according to a press release issued here on Sunday.

CPJRC, which operates under the auspices of China Academy of Science’s Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, is dedicated to fostering cooperation in the field of earth sciences, while GIKI shares the vision of advancing collaboration in engineering sciences and technology.

Dr Su Li-jun underscored that the endeavour would centre its efforts on critical areas such as disaster prevention and mitigation, ecological economy with an emphasis on low carbon development, assessing resource and environment carrying capacity for regional sustainable development, as well as endeavours related to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Prof Khalid emphasised that the MoU served as a groundbreaking initiative, providing a framework for both institutions to engage in joint research endeavours, secure research funding, and co-organise technical training programmes, academic symposia and international conferences.

Additionally, he reiterated the potential for faculty and student exchanges to facilitate collaborative research and academic interaction.

WORKSHOP: Speakers at a workshop held at the Women University Swabi on Sunday stressed the need for strengthening inter-cultural harmony through critical and logical thinking.

Shaoor Foundation, a non-profit entity, and the department of Islamic Studies of the varsity organised the workshop on inter-cultural harmony. Academia, students and members of welfare bodies participated in the event and presented their viewpoint on how to steer the country out of multiple challenges.

The workshop also featured project management activities for the participating students, who delivered impressive presentations.

The speakers shed light on the significance of maintaining a flexible attitude on issues to avoid complications and disturbance in the society, thus creating an environment of collaboration and coordination among the people. They stressed the need for promoting tolerance because emotions always created more serious issues instead of resolving them.

Certificates were awarded to both students and faculty members, recognising their active participation in the event.

Shields were also presented to the speakers from Shaoor Foundation, symbolising the significance of this collaborative effort in promoting inter-cultural harmony.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2023