Collaboration and Capacity Building to Address Climate Change Fellowship Outcomes Showcase a Path to Sustainable Change
- Empowering Educators to Lead Climate Action in KP
- Policy Dialogue Highlights Grassroots Success Stories
- Tackling KP’s Environmental Challenges Through Education
- Books and Projects Unveiled: A Creative Take on Climate Awareness
- Policymakers Commit to Climate Education Integration
- Top 20 Grassroots Projects Awarded for Scalability and Impact
- Experts Discuss Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice
- Sustainable Futures: Educators Driving Climate Solutions
Islamabad – In a significant step toward addressing climate challenges, the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), in collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, held the final Policy Dialogue for the Climate Action Fellowship 2024 at F-11 College, Islamabad.
This event marked the conclusion of a yearlong fellowship program that transformed 50 educators from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) into climate champions. Through grassroots efforts, these educators developed actionable policy recommendations to combat the region’s pressing environmental issues.
Fighting Climate Challenges in KP
KP faces unique vulnerabilities due to its delicate ecosystems, recurring floods, and glacial melt, all worsened by the global climate crisis. The fellowship empowered educators to lead local initiatives, raise awareness, and promote sustainable practices.
“This fellowship enabled collective action through educators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” said Dr. Fozia Parveen, Assistant Professor at AKU-IED and Principal Investigator of the fellowship. “By connecting grassroots initiatives to governance, we aim to drive sustainable, long-term change.”
Books and Initiatives Unveiled
During the event, two books authored by the fellows were launched: a fiction novel and a short story compilation, showcasing creative approaches to climate education. Contributions from students in Chitral further highlighted the community’s involvement.
Voices from the Policy Dialogue
The dialogue brought together policymakers, educators, and fellows to discuss integrating climate change education into provincial and national curricula. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Climate Change, and the KP government actively participated.
Mr. Masood Ahmad, Secretary of the Elementary & Secondary Education Department, KP, signed a Letter of Notification, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives. “This project has provided opportunities for teachers passionate about the environment to drive local action. We welcome such efforts in the future, as climate change impacts us every day,” he said.
Showcasing Grassroots Success
The event highlighted fellowship outcomes, including reforestation drives, waste management campaigns, and 50 community-led projects. The top 20 initiatives were awarded incentives to encourage their expansion and sustainability.
A panel discussion featured notable experts, including:
- Dr. A.H. Nayyer, Pakistani Physicist and Scholar
- Sarah Mehmood, Manager Environment and Social Safeguarding, WWF
- Dr. Qaisar Imran, Manager Research, National Institute of Disaster Management
- Dr. Farid Panjwani, Professor and Dean, AKU-IED
- Dr. Riaz Hussain, Head of Professional Development Centre Chitral, AKU-IED
Building a Sustainable Future
Fellows stressed the need for curriculum reforms, enhanced teacher training, and collaboration with local communities to embed climate education into everyday learning.
The Climate Action Fellowship 2024, a joint effort by AKU-IED and the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, highlights the transformative role of education in tackling the climate crisis. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, it paves the way for a more sustainable future for KP and beyond.