Shehersaaz Newsletter Nov - Dec 2023
Training of Trainers in Rawalpindi and Nowshera to Promote Sustainable Living
Empowering Communities:
Successful TOTs in Rawalpindi and Nowshera Promote Sustainable Living
In a bid to foster sustainable living practices, the month of December witnessed transformative Training of Trainers (TOTs) in both Rawalpindi and Nowshera cities under the PUCCAR Project. The trainings, led by the Executive Director, Ms. Almas, brought together enthusiastic women from these cities to undergo a comprehensive two-day training program.
The primary focus of the TOTs was to empower the selected women with the skills and knowledge required for effective Solid Waste Management, a crucial component of the PUCCAR Project. The participants, chosen for their active and passionate approach, were immersed in hands-on sessions on compost-making and underwent assessments to enhance their general knowledge of recycling practices.
Ms. Almas, as the lead trainer, guided the women through the intricacies of compost production and shared valuable insights on the broader aspects of recycling. The training sessions weren't just theoretical; the participants were actively engaged through presentations, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
The PUCCAR Project aims to address critical aspects of community development, with Solid Waste Management being a pivotal component. The objective is to equip individuals with the skills to manage waste effectively, contributing to a cleaner environment and improved community well-being.
As the training concluded, these newly-minted trainers are now poised to extend their knowledge to their own communities. Armed with the ability to teach others about compost-making and sustainable practices, these empowered women are set to make a significant impact on their communities. The ripple effect is expected to create a network of self-sufficient households, promoting food security and enhancing overall community resilience.
The success of the TOTs in Rawalpindi and Nowshera marks a significant step towards achieving the goals of the PUCCAR Project. The dedication and passion exhibited by the participating women highlight the potential for positive change and community development through education and empowerment. As these trainers step into their communities, they embody the spirit of progress and sustainability, fostering a brighter and more resilient future for all.
Shehersaaz and NUST’s SCEE Forge Strategic Partnership for Urban Development
NUST and Shehersaaz Sign MOU to Address Urban Challenges
In a significant development on November 29, 2023, Shehersaaz and the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE) at NUST, Islamabad, came together for a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony. The ceremony, held at NUST, marked the initiation of a collaborative journey aimed at addressing crucial urban development challenges.
The MOU, crafted with mutually agreed objectives, assignments, and tasks, reflects the shared commitment of both Shehersaaz and NUST's SCEE to fostering positive change. The collaborative effort aims to leverage the strengths of each party to create a meaningful impact in the realms of urban environment, transportation, urban planning, and capacity building.
The ceremony witnessed a palpable sense of positivity as representatives from both organizations gathered to solidify their commitment to long-term collaboration. The MOU envisions institutional cooperation, with an overarching goal of promoting knowledge sharing and joint efforts in tackling key urban development challenges.
By pooling resources and expertise, Shehersaaz and NUST's SCEE aim to contribute to sustainable urban development, creating solutions that address the evolving needs of urban environments. The partnership signifies a strategic alliance that seeks to explore innovative approaches, share best practices, and collectively work towards building more resilient and vibrant urban spaces.
This collaboration underscores the commitment of both parties to making a meaningful impact on the urban landscape, laying the foundation for a future marked by shared knowledge, collaboration, and positive urban development outcomes.
Stakeholders Meeting
First Stakeholder Meeting
Shehersaaz's First Stakeholder Meeting took place at Hotel Margala on November 22nd, 2023.
Experts and professionals working on Climate Change and Adaptation were invited to attend the meeting and share their insights as well.
The meeting began with Recitation of Holy Quran followed by Welcome remarks and brief Introduction of Shehersaaz presented by Executive Director, Ms. Almas Shakoor who shared purpose and agenda of the meeting.
Program Manager UN-Habitat Mr. Khalil Ahmed shared his remarks and the meeting formally began.
A brief overview of the AF Project was presented by Ms. Shakoor where evolution, governance, components, dimensions, and dynamics of the project were highlighted.
A short video was played related to the overall project and its three major components.
Two panel discussions took place moderated by CR&N Coordinator Anahita Sajjad.
Panel 1 consisted of “Community Participation” of Stakeholders/beneficiaries where they discussed about the benefits of the three components of PUCCAAR sharing their firsthand experiences.
1- Rain Water Harvesting Units (RWHU)
2- Solid Waste Management (SWM)
3- Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Panel Participants:
1- Ms. Mehreen Bibi (RWHU)
2- Ms. Ayesha Fayyaz (SWM)
3- Mr. Tufail (DRR)
Panel 2 had “Experts” who shared their expertise in Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable and Resilience based projects and Urban Development in context to Climate Change.
1- Dr. Mariam Saleh (Director Weather and Climate Services)
2- Ms. Azra Shahid (Rescue Safety Officer 1122)
3- Mr. Shoaib Haider (Country Director HOPE 87)
4- Dr. Mansoor Ali (UK) Theme Lead Waste Burning, Royal Academy of Engineering (Participated Online)
Mr. Azeem Khoso Director Ministry of Climate Change concluded the event with his remarks followed by Souvenir Distribution, Group Photo and Lunch.
Shehersaaz was able to present its Project on Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience successfully and will continue to keep the level of productivity to its maximum strength.
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World Cities Day 2023
World Cities Day 2023 - Discussion Panel
The World Cities Day “WCD” is an initiative by UN-Habitat which marks the end of Urban October Activities. Shehersaaz Celebrated “World Cities Day” with a Focus on "Financing a Sustainable Urban Future for All" A vibrant and thought-provoking event was hosted at the Earth Sciences Auditorium of Quaid-e-Azam University. The event brought together experts, artists, and individuals passionate about urban living to commemorate and celebrate the importance of cities and their role in shaping the cities future. The event was organized by Shehersaaz in collaboration with UN-Habitat Pakistan, Adaptation Fund and Quaid e Azam University, Islamabad. The panel discussion featured notable experts including, Mr Jawed Ali Khan, Country Program Manager UN-Habitat Pakistan, Mr Azhar Ul Islam, Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Dr. Abbas Moosvi, Research Fellow PIDE, Dr. Beenish Kulsoom, Program Manager PUCCAR, Shehersaaz, Abdul Shakoor Sindhu, Urban Planner and Designer.
The discussion began with Opening remarks of Executive Director, Shehersaaz Ms. Almas Shakoor, she emphasized that time to act is now, to reform the way we are planning and managing our cities.
Anahita Sajjad from Shehersaaz read the UN Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guteress’s message for the WCD: “As we mark World Cities Day, let’s resolve to work together for urban areas that are not engines of growth, but beacons of sustainability, resilience and prosperity for all”
The highlight of the event was a compelling keynote address delivered by Mr. Jawed Ali Khan who emphasized and shared his insights on the critical issues and challenges faced by cities in the 21st century, emphasizing the need for sustainable and inclusive urban development. His words inspired the audience to reevaluate their perspective on city life and the transformative potential of urban environments.
During the Panel discussion Mr. Jawed said that the local government assets need to be made vibrant so that they can be turned from liabilities into assets, culture of free lunch should be abolished and citizens should be made to pay for the services. He said there should be institutions who could deliver, he mentioned that UN-Habitat has implemented a project on Low Carbon Urban Development in Karachi They have developed Green Building Codes in collaboration with NED University and Pakistan Engineering Council, he also mentioned that this initiative has been selected for Global Award to be given in upcoming COP28.
Mr. Azhar said Private sector has never been allowed to grow and prosper. He was of the opinion that we have no dearth of resources but we need to adopt a National Policy of right person for the right job, he also highlighted, No Nation can progress without investing in its Human Resources. Our policy makers should seriously consider why most of the Pakistanis are not satisfied and want to immigrate.
Mr. Abbas gave a historical overview of Urbanization and Industrialization in Pakistan, he told that process of Urbanization started in Pakistan with Green Revolution. He also said that many people blame Bhutto’s Nationalization Policy however, he highlighted that Pakistan achieved highest Industrial growth during the 70’s. While Offering some solutions for strengthening the financial health of local government he proposed that the process of devolution should be taken to its logical conclusion by strengthening Provincial finance commissions and establishing District Finance Commissions on the model of National Finance Commission.
Ms. Almas mentioned a developed and sustainable city is one which every citizen could relate to that is a City that serves the needs of women, children, youth, elderly, people with disability and trans genders.
Dr. Beenish Kulsum opined that local governments have never been taken seriously in Pakistan. They have always been kept resource less entities which always remain at the mercy of provincial governments.
Mr. Abdul Shakoor said that it is highly unlikely that Pakistan will be able to meet its agreed targets for SDG11 that deals with inclusive, safe and sustainable cities and communities. He shared that there can be no city planning and management in absence of reliable data. He suggested that Federal and Provincial Bureaus of Statistics should be made administratively and financially autonomous entities so that they could generate reliable data. He also proposed that local governments should be empowered to collect and utilize property tax and motor vehicle tax to meet their administrative and development budgets.
Another highlight of the event was the Conception of ideal cities envisioned by young Artists who transformed their ideas into paintings.
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