Pakistan to Host Its First ‘Sustainability Summit & Awards’ on Oct 24

Wed Oct 16 2024
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ISLAMABAD: In a groundbreaking initiative to celebrate World Sustainability Day, Devcom-Pakistan (Development Communications Network), the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, and Sustainable (the NUST Office of Sustainability) have collaborated to host the inaugural “Pakistan Sustainability Summit and Awards” on Thursday, October 24.

The summit aims to tackle Pakistan’s escalating environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development. Although World Sustainability Day is observed globally on October 26, it remains largely unrecognized in Pakistan, as noted in a recent press release.

Munir Ahmed, Executive Director of Devcom-Pakistan, stressed the urgent need for sustainability practices: “Despite facing significant environmental issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, sustainability is often misunderstood or overlooked in Pakistan. We are encountering economic crises that necessitate a swift transition to sustainable development.” He added that the summit will convene key stakeholders to explore strategies for advancing green practices and fostering a resilient, sustainable Pakistan.

The summit will act as a platform for collaboration among government agencies, private enterprises, NGOs, academia, and other vital stakeholders. It aims to promote responsible resource use, drive economic growth, protect the environment, and ensure social equity. As Pakistan’s premier sustainability event, it seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing and innovation, encourage public-private partnerships, raise environmental awareness, showcase green business opportunities, and highlight best practices in sustainability.

The event will feature technical sessions on key topics, including “Healthy Planet,” “Thriving Economy,” and “People’s Wellbeing,” followed by a closing ceremony and awards presentation. A diverse audience is expected, including government officials, key decision-makers from national and provincial departments, diplomats, CEOs and sustainability officers from the private sector, environmental advocates, activists, researchers, representatives from global organizations dedicated to sustainable development, and young innovators and startups contributing to sustainable solutions.

The summit is anticipated to produce policy recommendations, commitments to sustainable business practices, new public-private partnerships, heightened environmental awareness, and a showcase of green technologies and business opportunities.

  • A key highlight of the event will be the “Leaders in Sustainability Awards,” recognizing outstanding contributions in ten categories, including:
  • Climate Action Award: For initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Biodiversity Conservation Award: Recognizing efforts to protect ecosystems and wildlife.
  • Nature-Based Solutions Award: For innovative solutions that leverage natural processes.
  • Sustainable Water Management Award: For effective water conservation and management strategies.
  • Renewable Energy Excellence Award: Acknowledging advancements in clean energy.
  • Circular Economy Innovator Award: For businesses that embrace recycling and waste reduction.
  • Green Business Leader Award: Recognizing sustainable business practices.
  • Sustainable Agriculture Award: For promoting eco-friendly farming techniques.
  • Health and Wellness Initiative Award: For projects improving public health through sustainable practices.
  • Community Impact Award: Recognizing initiatives that significantly benefit local communities.
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