Islamabad: To strengthen international partnerships for knowledge exchange and promotion of youth-led green initiatives, the Institute of Urbanism (IoU) and the School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF), with the support of the US Embassy in Islamabad, organized a delegation in Islamabad from DePaul University, Chicago, USA in a joint initiative called the Green Urban Development (GUD) program. The delegation from DePaul University was led by Mr. John Zeigler, Director of Urban Education & Community Partnerships, and Ms. Hiba Zakai, Distinguished Ph.D.
During the 7-day visit, the delegation held several high-level meetings with important stakeholders including Mr. Ran Mashood, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PYMP).
This collaboration embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of change-makers in urban development,” noted Mariyam Irfan, Executive Director , School of Leadership Foundation.
During these meetings, the Green Urban Development School (GUDS) model was recognized as a great initiative that can play a vital role in developing the understanding and skills of youth to lead the transition to a sustainable future. Discussions were also held to explore the possibilities of creating synergy between GUDS and the Green Youth Movement (GYM) clubs that the government supports in 136 public sector universities.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Program Fellow, IoU said: “GUDS serves as an example of how providing the right kind of opportunities to young start-ups can lead to the introduction of innovative solutions that have a multiplier effect when it comes to solving urban environmental problems.”
To facilitate long-term ties between universities in Pakistan and the US, a series of meetings were organized between representatives from DePaul University at GUDS educational partners in Pakistan, i.e. COMSATS University Islamabad and Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU).
A seminar titled “Green Solutions for Cities: Role of Academia and Knowledge Exchange” was organized at COMSATS University Islamabad. At the event, PMYP Chairman Mr. Mashood appreciated the collaboration between GUDS and GYM clubs and highlighted how such cross-linkages can have a multiplier effect. Representatives from DePaul University and the US Embassy Islamabad praised the long-term impact that four projects established by GUDS participants from QAU and COMSATS will create for a livable urban future.
A seminar titled “Role of Innovation & Youth in Advancing Green Urban Solutions” at QAU explored the innovative approaches needed to address urban challenges and the need to involve youth in shaping the future of cities. Mr. Zeigler emphasized the need to foster an ecosystem that fosters innovation and empowers young people to become agents of positive change in their communities. “The GUDS initiative celebrates youth and partner organizations as true ‘businessmen of green development’ driving change for a sustainable future,” he added.
Kelly Ryan, Public Diplomacy Officer at the US Embassy in Islamabad, speaking at the gatherings organized under the program, emphasized the critical need for mutual understanding and cooperation, adding that it is these partnerships that fuel innovation – inspiring positive change and collective action.
The delegation also visited key institutions such as the Pakistan Council of Water Resources Research (PCRWR) and the Haryali Hub to gain insight into best practices in relation to sustainable urban development in Pakistan and explore opportunities for international cooperation in water conservation and sustainable waste management . .
Ms. Hiba Zakai, PhD Scholar, DePaul University said, “The engagement of GUDS participants was invaluable in our brainstorming sessions. Collaboration is a key tool in achieving sustainable goals for society.”
Representatives of the delegation also participated in several television programs and podcasts to generate discussion on green urban development strategies.
