Pakistan Needs Collective Climate Action, ICCES-25 Concludes

News Desk 

Sukkur: The second International Conference on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (ICCES-25), organised by the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Technology & Skill Development (BBSUTSD), Khairpur, concluded successfully on Sunday.

The two-day international event aimed to bring together national and international experts, policymakers, senior government officials, academics, researchers, industry representatives, civil society organisations and youth networks to discuss innovative climate solutions, adaptation strategies, ecosystem challenges and sustainability issues in Pakistan and beyond.

In his address, Commissioner Qureshi said that environmental degradation and climate change are pressing global issues, and Pakistan remains among the most vulnerable countries. He noted that climate change poses serious threats to human health, freshwater resources, agriculture, food security, livestock and biodiversity.

He stressed the need for research-driven solutions from environmental experts and lauded BBSUTSD Khairpur for organising the conference, calling it a commendable initiative.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rasool Bakhsh Mahar highlighted Pakistan’s growing climate vulnerabilities, including contamination of freshwater reserves, declining aquatic biodiversity and the impacts of global warming on glacier systems. He urged immediate action to strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Prominent international speakers included Prof. Zainab Jillani (Ataturk University, Turkey), Prof. Dr. Khairul Rijal (University Technology Malaysia), Dr. Kuang Ha (University of Technology Sydney, Australia) and Dr. Najeeb Channa (Politecnico di Torino, Italy).

Plenary sessions covered climate adaptation, renewable energy, smart agriculture and disaster risk reduction. The first day also featured paper presentations, student engagements, dialogue sessions and technical sessions.

On the second day, a panel discussion on “Innovation in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation” was held under the chairmanship of Sabir Mehr. Panelists included Iftikhar Mahmood (Rotary International), Dr. Javed Akhtar Saman, Zamir Lashari, Sadam Hussain Barro and Furqan Ali. The discussion focused on climate adaptation, smart water management, gaps in municipal governance and youth-led innovative pathways in Sindh.

VC Sindh Agriculture University Dr. Altaf Sial and Vice Chancellor SAU Tandojam shared insights on agriculture, salinity management, sustainable irrigation systems and climate-smart farming technologies.

The conference resolved to strengthen local climate research and innovation, establish climate-tech incubation and environmental audit initiatives, forge collaborations with government bodies, universities and NGOs, promote sustainable urban development and water security, and advance youth-led environmental innovations.

The concluding ceremony emphasised the need for collective action to build a climate-resilient and sustainable future for Pakistan.