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.

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.

In a significant step toward safer and more resilient communities, Shehersaaz formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi on 4th March.



This agreement marks the continuation of a fruitful collaboration that has been ongoing since early 2023 and underscores Shehersaaz’s commitment to building communities and educational institutions that are prepared, informed, and capable of responding to emergencies.



Over the past years, Shehersaaz has facilitated numerous initiatives in partnership with Rescue 1122, ranging from first aid training in public schools to the development of emergency response kits and the provision of technical guidance for community safety measures. The MoU now formalizes these efforts and paves the way for an expanded, structured collaboration aimed at strengthening the city’s resilience to natural and human-made disasters, while promoting inclusive and safe spaces for all.



Under the renewed partnership, Rescue 1122 will continue to lead first aid and community emergency response trainings, targeting schools and vulnerable Union Councils of Rawalpindi. Shehersaaz will play a critical role in identifying participants, providing logistical support, and developing resources such as a certified Community Safety Manual for use by trained responders and educational institutions. Additionally, both institutions will work jointly on initiatives including plantation campaigns, environmental regeneration, wall murals, and the placement of emergency response equipment to enhance safety infrastructure in communities.

The MoU also emphasizes inclusivity, with dedicated programs for transgender individuals and strategies addressing vulnerable points along River Lai, ensuring that interventions reach those who need them most. Importantly, this partnership is founded on mutual cooperation, technical guidance, and shared responsibility, reflecting Shehersaaz’s ethos of building resilient cities through collaboration and community engagement.

By formalizing this agreement, Shehersaaz continues to demonstrate its leadership in urban safety, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, bringing institutions and communities together for a shared vision. Together with Rescue 1122, Shehersaaz is taking a meaningful step toward empowered communities that can respond, adapt, and thrive, reinforcing the organization’s mission to create safe, inclusive, and sustainable urban spaces in Pakistan.

Shehersaaz, accomplished yet another milestone by successfully concluding its PROGRESSIVE program, for which a ceremony was held in Rawalpindi. This included a formal handing over of Rainwater Harvesting Units to 18 government schools-a new benchmark toward climate-resilient and eco-sensitive learning spaces.

This occasion brought together officials from the education department, school principals, project teams, and community partners, and other stakeholders to celebrate this milestone. The CEO, District Education Authority Rawalpindi, Tariq Mehmood appreciated Shehersaaz for being a strong advocate of sustainable education through strengthening school-level resilience via practical community-centered solutions.

Project Manager Dr. Beenish gave an insightful overview of the PROGRESSIVE initiative within the project PUCCAR. She explained how each Rainwater Harvesting Unit was designed, installed, and integrated within school routines for better water security and increased environmental awareness among students and teachers alike.

A dynamic question-and-answer session with on-site engineer Abdullah further highlighted technical processes, key challenges, and the collaboration that shaped the success of the program.

The Disaster Risk Reduction component in the PROGRESSIVE program is very robust, preparing the students for real-life challenges. Specifically targeted trainings in first aid, solid waste management, and care for the environment have equipped the students with the skills to segregate wastes, produce compost, and establish kitchen gardens in their respective schools. All these activities give hands-on practice to the students while building a culture of responsibility, preparedness, and climate consciousness.

The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation with principals of the 18 participating schools was the defining moment of the ceremony. This is where each school formalizes its commitment to maintain the systems provided and takes full ownership of all components contributing to its transformation into a PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL.

The program, which is implemented in partnership with UN Habitat and the Adaptation Fund, comprises far more than just water-related solutions-it involves urban farming and energy-efficient measures, too, thereby transforming schools into active hubs of both resilience and sustainability.

It was followed by the 29th anniversary celebration of Shehersaaz, which marked almost three decades of leading sustainable urban development and community-based climate action. PROGRESSIVE reflects the unwavering vision and capability that constitute Shehersaaz's success. Combining innovation and collaboration to engage with communities, Shehersaaz further shapes smarter, safer, and more sustainable cities for future generations.

School Based Basic First Aid Trainings

As part of our ongoing (Project for Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience-PUCCAR) Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities Shehersaaz in collaboration with Rescue 1122, recently conducted a pioneering certified training session on Basic First Aid, marking a significant stride in disaster risk reduction. 

Over three days May 2nd to May 4th, 2024 students and teachers from the Govt. MC Girls High School Ratta Amral, were equipped with crucial skills in communication, safety protocols, bleeding control, and CPR. These workshops play a pivotal role in empowering communities with lifesaving techniques and fostering a culture of preparedness.
Such training sessions are indispensable as they not only enhance individual capacity but also bolster community resilience in the face of emergencies. By imparting knowledge on immediate response measures, they enable individuals to take proactive steps in mitigating risks and providing timely assistance. Moreover, these workshops foster a sense of collective responsibility, encouraging participants to become agents of change within their communities. Thanks to Rescue 1122 and their Master Trainers for their amazing practical and interactive training sessions which were truly an exciting learning experience. These Trainings shall continue and Shehersaaz will keep providing the opportunity to other Public/Govt School in Rawalpindi in order to prepare the students and teachers to be well equipped while dealing with emergencies. 

In a world fraught with uncertainties, the importance of first aid training cannot be overstated. It serves as a cornerstone in building a safer and more resilient society, where every individual is equipped to respond effectively in times of crisis. Through such initiatives Shehersaaz take strides towards a future where lives are safeguarded, and communities stand united in the face of adversity. We are thankful to our donor Adaptation Fund and UN-HABITAT for providing us the financial support in making a positive impact in our communities and be prepared for any unforeseen emergency.