The executive body members of Green Youth Movement (GYM) of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) on Wednesday called on the British Council, Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), and Higher Education Commission (HEC) at council hall of the new campus. Chaired by Vice President Research and Enterprise Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, the meeting was also attended by Dean Faculty of Sciences Prof. Dr. Irfan Khan, Incharge female campus Dr. Summiyya Chughtai and Focal persons of initiative Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Naseer and Dr. Sarah Amir. The executive body presented the 2 years progress report through a presentation. GYM Captain Kainat Bangash gave a detailed presentation about the activities, thematic approaches, contributions, achievements, success stories and way forward. She apprised that according to HEC guidelines the club is continuing its activities and in the present year it is focusing on Agriculture and forestry, and liquid and solid waste. Ms Bangash also briefed about the food waste audit, training, workshops, international collaborations and waste audit at the campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director ROTA Mr Abdulla Faraj Al- Abdulla appreciated the efforts of the club as well as elaborated that the ROTA and British Council were jointly providing support and encouragement to the projects that are of inclusive value. He guided the executive body of the club about impact-making public benefiting projects. He assured that youth will be provided requisite awareness, guidance and support for the betterment of climate change and service of the society. ROTA Engagement Manager, Mr. Geroge Kerisa Tavola thanked the IIUI on the behalf of the British Council for taking measures for the betterment of environment and climate. He hoped that this initiative of the IIUI students will provide a foundation to launch more society focused approaches. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed hailing the initiative of the students’ body and interest of the ROTA and British Council added that the university is focused on an engagement based approach for climate change and green movements. He specially mentioned the Strategic plan devised by IIUI in which life at campus is part of the core objectives.

He said pursuing the strategic plans and university ranking requirements, the IIUI is working on academia industry linkage and societal impact based research. He said the IIUI management will be keen to map the plan and work as a bridge to connect the climate saving agencies and academia. Earlier, Prof. Dr. Irfan Khan welcomed the team and introduced the executive body of the club.  He discussed the 2 years progress and patronage of this initiative. He hoped that this network of well-versed students would be soon able to join a major initiative of society service and climate friendly approach. Dr. Summiya Chughtai said on the occasion that the club has shown its impact in the campus and it has been a source of motivation for students to make the campus clean and green. The Focal Person Dr. Sarah Amir shared her experience of mentoring the club members and also discussed the future objectives of the initiative. The Green Youth Movement members also presented the recycled material made souvenirs to the visiting team officials.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)