NUST launches Pakistan’s 1st university-based Office of Sustainability
NUST officially launched Nustainable; Pakistan’s first university-based Office of Sustainability, on March 22, 2021. The chief guest was Dr Nassar Ikram, Pro-Rector Research Innovation & Commercialisation (RIC) NUST. Also present at the event were Dr Mohammad Ali Mohammad, Director Research, Ms Barira Hanif, DD Sustainability and other members of the RIC Secretariat.
Through Nustainable, NUST has taken yet another step to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and establish an institutional platform for effective collaboration with national, regional, and international stakeholders on sustainability initiatives. The office plans to establish cross-sectoral national and international partnerships to develop indigenous solutions, through interdisciplinary research and innovation, to address the impending challenges faced in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.) The office would also overlook carbon footprint assessment, climate mitigation, and the development of a cross-sectoral Climate Action Plan for the university and the local community.
Notable universities across the globe have established Offices of Sustainability as per the global best practices. Sustainability Offices are special settings that assist initiatives within Higher Education Institutions to coordinate their efforts and work in the field of sustainable development. The set-up of such offices is known to be an effective tool in supporting the implementation of sustainability initiatives on campuses, and in fostering awareness among students and staff on matters related to sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ikram appreciated the resolve of Nustainable towards making NUST one of the pioneer universities in Pakistan that are emerging as a 4th generation university. He also expressed his strong belief in NUST becoming a model institution in the adoption of the SDGs framework, at par with all leading international universities complying for a sustainable world.