Fulbright Alumni Gather to Forge Solutions to Climate Crisis

APP
Islamabad: As many as 250 Fulbright alumni gathered at a conference organised by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) to forge solutions to the climate crisis.
The conference, held from January 12–14 on the theme of climate change, was funded by the US Mission to Pakistan and in collaboration with the Pakistan-US Alumni Network (PUAN).
Approximately 250 alumni of the Fulbright Programme, many of whom have earned Master’s or PhD degrees in the United States, convened in Islamabad to address the challenges posed by climate change. The gathering served as a platform for these alumni to share insights on actions taken by them and their organizations to mitigate the impact of climate change on communities across Pakistan.
US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, emphasized the significance of international collaboration in tackling challenges like climate change, citing the Fulbright Programme as a vital investment in fostering global connections. Blome acknowledged the positive impact of Fulbright alumni in Pakistan and worldwide.
The keynote address was delivered by Senior Humphrey Fellow Dr Amjad Saqib, the founder of the Akhuwat Foundation and the recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2021.
During the conference, Fulbright alumni showcased their initiatives aimed at developing innovative solutions to the climate crisis. The alumni engaged in collaborative discussions, addressing topics ranging from the role of education in climate change to the importance of green business and urban planning for enhancing city resilience.
The conference included seven panel discussions focusing on ecology, agriculture, climate action, and technology, concluding with a tour of Rawal Dam.
Rita Akhtar, Executive Director of the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), welcomed guests and participants, highlighting the profound impact of the Fulbright Programme in Pakistan.
She emphasized the diverse contributions of Fulbright Pakistan alumni across various sectors, including education, disability inclusion, public administration, energy, finance, and health.
Established in 1950, USEFP is a bi-national commission that manages exchange programs to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Pakistan. The Fulbright Program in Pakistan, funded by the US government, has held the world’s largest Fulbright foreign student program since 2005, with over 3,000 alumni, more than half of whom are women, representing every province and region of Pakistan.
Over the years, USEFP-managed exchange programs have involved more than 8,800 Pakistanis and 945 Americans. The commission’s mission is to facilitate cultural exchange and understanding between the two nations.