Youth Climate Fellowship 2025 Concludes with Innovation Challenge at UET Lahore
The Closing Ceremony & Innovation Challenge of the Youth Climate Education & Fellowship Program 2025, organized by Transparency International Pakistan, was held today at the Seminar Hall, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore. The event marked the culmination of a nine-month fellowship aimed at transforming climate governance ideas into actionable solutions.
The fellowship engaged 40 youth fellows from different regions of Pakistan, equipping them with critical knowledge, policy understanding, and practical skills in climate governance, transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. Running from April to December 2025, the program focused on empowering young leaders to address climate challenges through evidence-based and governance-driven approaches.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Izzat Iqbal Cheema, Director, Continuing Engineering Education & Training Centre (CEETC), UET Lahore, who highlighted the crucial role of universities in fostering climate-literate and action-oriented youth. He emphasized that youth-led innovation is essential for Pakistan’s climate resilience and sustainable future.
Ms. Nasreen Memon, Project Coordinator at Transparency International Pakistan, presented an overview of the fellowship journey, outlining its objectives, learning milestones, and the tangible impact created by the fellows through research, advocacy, and community-focused initiatives.
A key highlight of the event was the Climate Governance Innovation Challenge, where fellows presented group-based solutions addressing real-world climate governance issues. A distinguished panel of judges comprising Ms. Rizwana Anjum (Chief Minister Punjab Green Credit Program), Ms. Ahad Yousaf Khan (Director Environment & Climate Change), Dr. Izzat Iqbal Cheema, and Ms. Nasreen Memon evaluated the presentations based on innovation, feasibility, governance relevance, and potential impact.
The session titled “Youth as Catalysts for Climate Action” underscored the importance of inclusive youth participation in policymaking and implementation, reinforcing the message that young professionals are not just future leaders, but present-day change agents.
The event concluded with the announcement of winners, award distribution, and certificate presentation to all participating fellows, followed by closing remarks by the Vice Chancellor, UET Lahore, who appreciated Transparency International Pakistan for fostering youth leadership in climate governance and strengthening academia-civil society collaboration.The ceremony ended with a networking lunch, providing an opportunity for fellows, faculty members, policymakers, and development practitioners to engage and explore future collaborations.