UN-Habitat and NUST Collaborate to Empower Youth for Sustainable Urban Development on World Habitat Day

Islamabad: World Habitat Day 2024 was marked by a collaborative event between UN-Habitat and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), focusing on youth engagement in creating a better urban future. The event featured discussions led by key figures from various sectors, including government, academia, and non-profit organizations, all centered around sustainable urban development and the integration of young people in these processes.

According to United Nations Human Settlements Programme, Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, HPM at UN-Habitat, opened the event with a call to action for youth involvement in designing resilient and sustainable cities. He highlighted the crucial role of young people in tackling urban challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. Dr. M. Irfan, Principal and Dean of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NUST, discussed the pivotal role of academia in promoting sustainable development and preparing future leaders with the necessary skills to address global issues.

The event gained further momentum with speeches from Ms. Coco Yushiama, the Country Director of the World Food Programme and Acting UN Resident Coordinator for Pakistan, and Ms. Gulmina Bilal, Chairman of NAVTTC. They emphasized the significant impact that young people can have in areas such as climate action and sustainable infrastructure. The highlight of the day was a panel discussion titled “The Role of Youth in Urban Transformation,” which explored how youth-led projects are reshaping urban environments in Pakistan.

The discussions concluded with a showcase of youth-led initiatives demonstrating practical solutions to urban issues, including innovative projects like Ecobricks, Eco-gen, and Ecopulp. The event ended with a vibrant Q and A session that provided a platform for youth to engage directly with experts, emphasizing the ongoing need for governmental support and the establishment of platforms to amplify youth participation in urban planning.

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