40 Years of Pakistan-Australia Agricultural Collaboration Marked with a Public Awareness Campaign on Food Security and Climate Change.
In a significant milestone marking four decades of Pakistan-Australia agricultural collaboration, Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins and Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) CEO, Professor Wendy Umberger, launched a unique initiative aimed at promoting water conservation and food security. The campaign, featuring bus art designed by renowned Pakistani cartoonist Nigar Nazar, was unveiled today to showcase the importance of sustainable agriculture and climate change awareness.
Public buses across Punjab, Pakistan’s agricultural hub, will now feature vibrant cartoons that highlight simple ways to conserve water and improve agricultural practices. These illustrations aim to educate commuters and passersby about practical solutions for achieving food security, conserving resources, and addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity.
Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins spoke about the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and Australia in the agricultural sector. “For 40 years, Australia has worked hand in hand with Pakistan to tackle key challenges in agriculture and water management. This bus art project reflects the spirit of our collaboration—creativity driving awareness and action, connecting communities across rural and urban Punjab.”
Professor Wendy Umberger, ACIAR’s CEO, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the initiative’s reach and impact. “It’s an honor to celebrate 40 years of collaboration with such a creative project that brings important messages right into the daily lives of Pakistanis. Over the years, ACIAR has worked with farmers, scientists, and policymakers across Pakistan to introduce sustainable practices, improve food security, and enhance livelihoods, particularly in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.”
The campaign will be rolled out on five public buses, traveling through Punjab’s key agricultural regions, bringing the message of sustainable farming to thousands of people daily. The art highlights Australia’s and Pakistan’s shared commitment to improving agricultural outcomes and addressing climate-related challenges.
Nigar Nazar, the artist behind the campaign, is an Australian alumna who attended a professional course at the University of Canberra. She has been a strong advocate for environmental sustainability through her art and was awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, a prestigious honor, by Pakistan’s President in 2023 for her contributions to the arts.
This initiative is a testament to the continued Pakistan-Australia agricultural collaboration, blending creativity with community outreach to promote critical messages of sustainability.