LAHORE: Speakers in a conference at the Government College University (GCU) stressed transformative climate action through scientific collaboration, data-driven policymaking and multi-sector accountability.

The GCU, in collaboration with the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the National Climate Council (NCC) on Tuesday hosted a one-day conference, titled ‘CO Talks,’ to bring together leading experts from the academia, industry, government and international organisations.

The speakers highlighted the need to integrate sustainability with national development strategies.

In her keynote address, Yulia Bazhenova, the country head of GIZ Pakistan, emphasized the importance of coordinated environmental action. She underscored the critical role of youth and academic institutions in shaping future-focused climate policies.

GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Omer Chaudhry highlighted the serious health impacts of environmental degradation, citing nearly 22,000 premature deaths and over 163,000 disability-adjusted life years lost annually in Pakistan

due to environmental issues like smog.

“These numbers are not mere statistics — they represent lives disrupted, communities harmed and a future at risk. True change begins with individuals. Each of us has a role to play, whether at home, in classrooms, or within our daily routines,” Prof Chaudhry said.

Dr Ayyazud Din, the chairman of PRGMEA (North), emphasized the need for decarbonization in Pakistan’s industrial sector, particularly in the textile industry. He noted that initiatives like CO Talks were essential for aligning national practices with global environmental standards, ensuring Pakistan remains competitive in international markets.

Prof Dr Faiza Sharif, the director of GCU SDSC, emphasized that decarbonizing industrial supply chains was a significant challenge due to knowledge gaps, inconsistent compliance standards, limited data, and resource constraints

Dr Zulfiqar Younis, the additional secretary for Climate Finance at the Ministry of Climate Change, delivered a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s developing carbon market while Hammad Naqi Khan, director general of WWF Pakistan, discussed water conservation and the interconnections between biodiversity and climate change.

The conference fostered productive brainstorming on climate solutions through three insightful panel discussions. The first panel, Maili Maili Dhoop, moderated by Asad Bajwa, the CEO of South Asian Sourcing Pvt Ltd, focused on sunlight harvesting, with Anwar Masood emphasizing the need to reconnect with nature amidst environmental degradation.

The second panel, on circularity, decarbonization, and inclusivity, moderated by Saifullah Minhas, director Delta Garments, featured Dr Arif Bashir of DG Cement, who advocated for biogas projects to mitigate environmental impacts.

The third panel, on regulatory compliance, moderated by Hassan Shafqat, CEO, Pakistan Textile Council, included Dr Nabeel Amin, who called for legislation on hazardous chemicals, and Dr Khurram Tariq who urged better compliance across industries.

The conference closed with a theatrical performance titled “Libas ka Safar” by the GCU Dramatics Club and NAMS.

workshop: The University of Education (UE) has launched a STEM Education Training Workshop in collaboration with UPSIGN (UK-Pakistan Science and Innovation Global Network).

Over 200 teachers from 10 universities across the province will receive modern training during this four-day training workshop. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, while Provincial Minister for Higher and School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat was the chief guest.

The inaugural session of the workshop was held at the University’s main Campus, Township, Lahore.

VC Mr Chaudhry said that the university is introducing globally recognized education standards at the national level.

Punjab Higher Education Department Secretary Dr Farrukh Naveed presented recommendations for advanced training of school and college teachers.

He stated that the Punjab Higher Education Commission, UPSIGN International, and the University of Education, Lahore are committed to launching high-level training programs for teachers.

Prof Jawwad Darr, founder of UPSIGN UK, said Pakistani universities are playing a prominent role in providing high-quality education and that they aim to introduce Pakistani teachers on international platforms. A large number of vice chancellors, teachers, and students from universities across the country participated in the event.

Meanwhile, the minister inaugurated the University of Education’s Annual Sports Gala 2025 and announced a cash prize of Rs1 million for the winning students.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2025