The new “Integrated Rainwater Harvesting Unit” at the NUST School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), Islamabad, opened on June 8,2026, marked by a special ribbon cutting ceremony by NUST, Shehersaaz and UN-Habitat. Reinforcing its commitment to advancing climate-resilient and sustainable educational infrastructure across Pakistan, the initiative is implemented under PROGRESSIVE (Program for Safe, Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Educational Places for All), a flagship long-term program of Shehersaaz dedicated to integrating climate adaptation into public and educational spaces.

The inauguration was graced by Dr. Mohammad Irfan, Principal & Dean of SCEE, NUST, Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Senior Advisor/Country Programme Manager, UN-Habitat and Ms. Almas Shakoor, Executive Director of Shehersaaz, along with distinguished representatives from UN-Habitat, Shehersaaz, and the faculty of SCEE NUST.

Designed to capture and utilize rainwater efficiently, the system will directly benefit over 1,000 students and faculty members, reducing dependence on conventional water sources and promoting sustainable water resource management. Beyond its operational value, the installation serves as a practical learning model for students, researchers, and future engineers, demonstrating real-world applications of climate-smart infrastructure.

According to NUST 80% students are using the facility and benefiting from it.

The project is part of the broader PUCCAR Project for Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, implemented by Shehersaaz in partnership with UN-Habitat and supported financially by the Adaptation Fund, highlighting the strength of global-local collaboration in addressing urban climate challenges.

During the event, NUST leadership appreciated Shehersaaz’s impactful intervention and expressed interest in expanding similar sustainability initiatives, recognizing the importance of scaling climate-resilient infrastructure in academic institutions.
Through visionary leadership and consistent delivery of innovative solutions, Shehersaaz continues to position itself as a leading force in climate adaptation, urban resilience, and sustainable development in Pakistan, transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for long-term impact and community benefit.

54 Youth Leaders from Rawalpindi and Nowshera Present Community-Driven Climate Solutions at Shehersaaz's Youth Environment Assembly 2026

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, under the global theme "Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future", Shehersaaz successfully organized the Youth Environment Assembly 2026 in Rawalpindi and Nowshera, providing a platform for young people to present innovative, community-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

Held on 4 June 2026, the Assembly brought together 54 youth representatives from underserved communities, including 32 participants from 8 Neighborhood Councils in Nowshera and 22 participants from 7 Union Councils in Rawalpindi. The initiative empowered participants to identify environmental issues affecting their communities and transform their ideas into practical projects aimed at building more sustainable and climate-resilient neighborhoods.

During the Assembly, the participating youth submitted 54 project proposals, each reflecting local priorities and innovative approaches to addressing environmental concerns. The proposals covered a diverse range of issues, including solid waste management, water scarcity, pollution, climate adaptation, environmental awareness, community sustainability, and resilience-building.

The Youth Environment Assembly is a flagship initiative of Shehersaaz designed to engage young people in meaningful dialogue and action on environmental challenges. The platform recognizes youth as key stakeholders in shaping sustainable communities and enables them to contribute solutions based on their lived experiences and local knowledge.

The project ideas presented during the Assembly were developed through a series of preparatory engagements and orientation sessions conducted in both Rawalpindi and Nowshera, equipping participants with the guidance needed to convert community challenges into actionable proposals.

As part of its commitment to youth-led climate action, Shehersaaz announced that selected projects will receive technical support and financial assistance for implementation. Approved initiatives are expected to move into execution within the next 30 days, allowing young people to transform their ideas into tangible community interventions with measurable impact.
By investing in youth leadership and community-driven innovation, Shehersaaz continues to strengthen local resilience, promote environmental stewardship, and advance sustainable development across Pakistan, demonstrating that meaningful climate action begins with empowering the communities that experience these challenges firsthand.

Earth Day Celebrated at SOS Children’s Village Through “Naya Safar: A Journey of Hope, Growth and Resilience”

In celebration of “Earth Day”, Shehersaaz organized a vibrant and meaningful event at SOS Children’s Home as part of “Naya Safar: A Journey of Hope, Growth and Resilience”—a year-long program designed for children and caregivers that focuses on emotional development, creative healing arts, green skills, safety, climate adaptation, resilience, inclusivity, and future readiness.



The event brought together over 40 children, SOS staff members, and volunteers from S&P Global, whose active participation and support helped ensure the smooth execution of a joyful and engaging day for everyone involved.

 



The “Earth Day” celebration was carefully designed to nurture environmental awareness while encouraging creativity and connection with nature. Children enthusiastically participated in clay pot painting followed by planting activities, where they decorated pots and planted greenery as a symbol of growth and responsibility toward the planet. Another engaging activity included recycled cloth bag leaf printing, allowing children to creatively repurpose materials while learning the importance of sustainable practices.

One of the most exciting highlights of the day was a new collaborative initiative with SANDLE-Earth, where children learned to create eco-friendly sand candles using soy and beeswax. Crafted directly in sand molds, the activity offered an innovative, zero-waste, sustainable, and child-friendly introduction to conscious making.



The celebration also included environmental awareness and nature appreciation sessions, helping children understand the importance of caring for the planet and adopting environmentally responsible habits in their daily lives.

 

A powerful pledge activity followed, where all children collectively promised to protect Planet Earth and use its natural resources responsibly. This commitment was further reflected in one of the day’s most touching activities: children writing heartfelt love notes to Mother Earth. These notes, filled with promises, gratitude, and affection for nature, were lovingly hung on the trees — transforming the surroundings into a living expression of hope and care for the environment.

The event concluded with healthy beverages and nutritious snacks, allowing children, staff, and volunteers to come together and celebrate a day filled with learning, creativity, and community spirit.



Shehersaaz extends its sincere appreciation to S&P Global for their continued support and for providing the opportunity to implement impactful interventions at SOS Children’s Home through Naya Safar: A Journey of Hope, Growth and Resilience.

At Shehersaaz, we believe meaningful change begins with care, connection, and collective responsibility. Through programs like Naya Safar, we are not just building individuals we are nurturing ecosystems of care, resilience, and sustainability for generations to come.

 

Strengthening its mission to foster safer, resilient communities, Shehersaaz has extended critical emergency response support to Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4th March 2026. This initiative is being implemented under the Project for Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience (PUCCAR) and its associated program, Program for Safe, Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Education Places for All (PROGRESSIVE), supported by UN-Habitat and the Adaptation Fund.

This handover marks a key step in turning shared priorities into tangible outcomes. By equipping frontline responders with essential tools, the initiative directly contributes to improving emergency readiness and supporting timely response in high-risk situations.

Through this effort, Shehersaaz provided 06 foldable lightweight aluminum wheelchairs, 06 stretchers with aluminum rods, and 06 manual emergency sirens to strengthen operational preparedness. In parallel, 25 plastic planters and 02 compost bags were included to support environmental initiatives that contribute to healthier and more sustainable communities.

The equipment was formally received and verified by representatives of Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi through an established documentation process. This ensures accountability while reinforcing a partnership built on coordination and shared responsibility.

The support reflects a broader collaboration that extends beyond resource provision. Ongoing efforts include community awareness sessions, first responder trainings, and the development of localized safety mechanisms that enable communities to better navigate emergencies.

At its core, this initiative focuses on reducing vulnerability and strengthening systems that protect lives. By supporting both institutional capacity and community-level preparedness, Shehersaaz is helping create a more responsive and inclusive approach to urban safety.

As urban and climate-related challenges continue to evolve, such partnerships remain essential. Together with Rescue 1122, Shehersaaz continues to advance practical solutions that enable communities to respond effectively and build a more secure future.

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, Shehersaaz hosted a heartfelt Iftar gathering at SOS Children’s Home, an integral part of SOS Children’s Villages, formally inaugurating the year-long project “Naya Safar: A Journey of Hope, Growth and Resilience.” The event brought together 45 children residing at the SOS Children’s Home along with their five foster mothers, creating an evening defined by warmth, compassion, and collective hope.

Held in the spirit of Ramadan, the gathering served both as a moment of community connection and as an introduction to the vision and objectives of the initiative. Children, foster mothers, staff, partners and members of the Shehersaaz team shared Iftar together, fostering a deeply meaningful and uplifting atmosphere that reflected a shared commitment to the well-being and holistic development of the children.

The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Almas Shakoor, Executive Director of Shehersaaz, and Mr. Abdul Shakoor, Chairperson of Shehersaaz, alongside key team members and partners. Their presence underscored the organization’s strong dedication to ensuring the success of the initiative.

The gathering was also attended by valued partners and supporters from Sunbeams, Adventurers, and S&P Global, the project’s principal sponsor. The Project Director from SOS Children’s Home also participated in the collective meeting held alongside the event.

During the meeting, members of the management and project partners engaged in constructive dialogue regarding the challenges faced by the children and their caregivers while outlining the strategic direction and next steps for the project’s implementation. Ms. Anahita Sajjad, Manager Communications & Networking at Shehersaaz and Project Lead for Naya Safar, presented the vision of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, nurturing, and empowering environments where children can grow, heal, and thrive.
 

 
The initiative is closely aligned with PROGRESSIVE, Shehersaaz’s program dedicated to creating safe, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable education places for all. Through this alignment, Naya Safar aims to strengthen both the emotional well-being and the physical learning environments of children. The project will support foster mothers, build resilience among children, and promote greener and safer living and learning spaces within the SOS community.

Beginning in March 2026, Shehersaaz will actively initiate program activities as part of this year-long effort. Implemented in collaboration with partners, the project will focus on resilience building, emotional well-being, and strengthening caregiving environments. It will also contribute to transforming children’s homes into greener, more sustainable, and climate-resilient spaces.

The evening concluded with gratitude and optimism. Shehersaaz extends sincere thanks to all partners, guests, and team members who joined the inaugural gathering and contributed to making the event memorable. With the generous support of S&P Global and the continued commitment of all partners involved, Naya Safar promises to bring strength, resilience, and opportunity into the lives of the children and their foster mothers—paving the way for a brighter and more hopeful future.