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.
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.
International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 at Government Associate College for Women
The International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDRR) is a global observance held every year on October 13th. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, with the aim of promoting a global culture of disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts, progress, and innovative approaches made towards reducing disaster risks and building resilient communities worldwide.
This year’s theme for the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023 revolved around "Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future"
Inequality and vulnerability to disasters are interconnected: disparities in accessing essential services like finance and insurance leave the most vulnerable exposed to disaster risks, and when disasters occur, they worsen existing inequalities and push the most vulnerable deeper into poverty. It underscores the urgent need to invest in disaster risk reduction strategies, enhance community engagement, and strengthen disaster resilience to protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure in the face of increasing climate-related disasters and other hazards.
Shehersaaz observed “International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction” (IDDR) at a local college in Dhok Mangtal, Rwp to promote a global culture of disaster risk reduction and resilience. This day helped raise awareness and understanding amongst students by informing them about risks they might face and ways to mitigate them, hence fostering a culture of preparedness and safety.
Shehersaaz collaborated with “Rescue Service 1122” and held a wonderful event showcasing several demonstrations related to First-Aid, Flood and earthquake preparedness. Live demonstrations illustrated effective responses for earthquakes, floods and other disaster reduction events, covering first aid, search and rescue methods and safe evacuation procedures.
Watch event videos from Facebook Live
Event Photo Gallery
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Pakistan has a long history of experiencing natural disasters, with earthquakes being one of the most devastating. On October 8, 2005, Pakistan suffered a catastrophic earthquake, this seismic event had a magnitude of 7.6, causing massive destruction, loss of life, and displacement of communities. The earthquake's epicenter was near Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir, affecting several regions across Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
In commemoration of the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan in October 2005, followed by Floods of 2022 that submerged 1/3 of the country effecting 33 million people, leading to massive destruction where properties and lives were compromised.
Shehersaaz observed “National Disaster Risk Reduction Day (NDRRD) on Monday, October 9th 2023 at Nowshera. The day served as a solemn occasion to remember the lives lost, the communities affected, and to renew the commitment to disaster resilience and preparedness.
The primary objective of observing NDRRD was to raise awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and community resilience in the face of natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and floods.
Shehersaaz collaborated with “Rescue 1122 “ several “Emergency Response Demonstrations” were presented, practical demonstrations showcasing appropriate responses during an earthquake/floods, including first aid, search and rescue techniques, and safe evacuation practices were also demonstrated.
The event helped Increase awareness and understanding of disaster risks, particularly earthquake and flood risks.
Empowered community with knowledge and skills for disaster preparedness and response.
Strengthened partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders for effective disaster risk reduction efforts.
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World Environment Day marks its 50th Anniversary this year (2023) and in the 5 decades the day has grown to be one of the largest global platforms for environmental outreach. This year Theme for World Environment Day was ‘Solutions to plastic pollution”. Plastic pollution is a growing and serious concern in Pakistan as it ranked sixth globally and third in Asia among plastic waste generators with the country producing 4 million tons of plastic waste annually. Karachi is identified as among the top 10 marine litter hotspots in the region, constituting an increasing risk to ecosystem health and biodiversity. This is rooted in unsustainable production and consumption patterns, poor plastic and solid waste management and lack of infrastructure, lack of adequate legal and policy frameworks and poor enforcement, and a lack of financial resources both at national and local governments.
Shehersaaz in collaboration with UN-Habitat, Ministry of Climate Change and NUST celebrated World Environment day 2023 to create awareness to effectively manage the plastic waste and create a healthier society. The winners of the Art Competition held by UN Habitat on International Zero Waste Day 2023 were also announced and awarded aiming to create awareness in children and promote sustainable consumption and production patterns and contribute to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Dr. Muhammad Irfan. Principal & Dean. Professor. School of Civil & Environmental Engineering (SCEE) distributed the awards to the winners.
A Panel discussion was convened to dig out the challenges and to come up with the solutions to reduce and manage plastic pollution. The panelists included Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, HPM, UN Habitat; Dr. Imran Hashmi, Tenured Professor & Associate Dean, IESE, NUST; DR. Hira Amjad, Assistant Professor, IESE, NUST; Ms. Raina Saeed Khan, Chairperson, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board; Dr. Mansoor Ali; Team Lead, Waste Burning Program, Royal Academy of Engineering, UK; and Dr. Beenish Kulsoom, Lead Local Governance Program, Shehersaaz.
The panelists highlighted that that there is need for redesigning products & packaging, market assessment for reuse, refill & recyclability, increased awareness and advocacy, and effective implementation of legislations for beating plastic pollution in Pakistan. A strong need was felt for inclusion of producer responsibility in eliminating plastic pollution through defining and legislation under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Through collective action, we can achieve a world that is cleaner, greener, safer, healthier and happier, for us to live, work and play.
Ms. Almas Shakoor, Executive Director, Shehersaaz welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of awareness for an effective and efficient plastic waste management system which is critical for improving the productivity and sustainability of Pakistan centers.
Mr. Jawed Ali Khan in his opening remarks explained that UN Habitat is assisting cities through actions including waste data and monitoring, knowledge sharing, education and advocacy. As the cities grow, the problem of plastic and solid waste management is worsening. If the trend continues, 12 billion tonnes of plastic waste will be part of the environment by 2050. It is important that we work jointly towards reducing the plastic waste and promote its utilization for generating circular economy to reduce plastic pollution, value addition and increase resource efficiency.
Dr. Imran Hashmi and DR. Hira Amjad, deliberated that we must recognize that the restoration of nature is imperative to the survival of our planet and the human race. Academia is playing its role by providing the alternatives and students in the universities are doing research on different topics specifically related to Micro-Plastics. He highlighted that the research work done is not appropriately taken up by policy makers for integrating into the policies. This gap needs to be filled by working hand in hand.
Dr. Mansoor Ali described though National policies and legislations exist to address the plastic waste challenge but due to ineffective implementation, we are unable to beat the menace of plastic. There is a dire need to revise the legislations and their implementation strategies. Dr. Beenish Kulsoom said that it is important to identify the root causes for the ineffective local governance system for management of plastic waste. There exists overlapping of mandates of institutions working at the local level resulting in ineffective governance. The solution is to revisit the governance structure. Ms. Raina Saeed explained that awareness and advocacy plays a vital role in building awareness to the general public with respect to the impacts of plastic pollution in Pakistan and working for plastic free Margalla Hills Natural Park.
Citizens perspectives on challenges and solutions were also taken in which they showed concern on low awareness with respect to severity of the impact caused by plastic pollution on the wellbeing. Gardeners, Sanitary Workers and Forest Guards were payed tribute for their continuous efforts to clean the environment.
