Islamabad- A one-day seminar titled “Financing Sustainable Urban Future for All” was held at Allama Iqbal Open University on World Cities Day 2023. Executive Director, United Nations Habitat, Memona Sharif, was the keynote speaker. She emphasized the crucial role of urban areas in accomplishing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. She further explained that ensuring safe and stable cities is an integral part of achieving sustainable development goals.
Javed Ali Khan, Country Program Manager of UN-Habitat Pakistan, congratulated Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, the Vice Chancellor of AIOU on university’s 50th anniversary. He praised the university’s educational services, stating that they are truly commendable. Javed Ali Khan and consultant from the World Bank, Gul Najam Jami, delivered presentations that highlighted the facilities, opportunities, and problems faced in the urban areas. They also shared valuable information about the services and financial assistance provided by the United Nations and the World Bank in relation to urbanization.
The seminar was presided over by the Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Prof Dr. Irshad Ahmed Arshad. He explained that this seminar is a part of the series of events organized in connection with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of AIOU, and its aim is to provide intellectual training and mental upbringing to the new generation. Chairperson, Department of Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Design, Prof. Dr. Hajra Ahmed, and Additional Director, Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Dr. Saima Nasir, also spoke at the event. They discussed the objectives of the seminar and expressed their gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, for his support in organizing the event.