The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) AJK, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), organized a thought-provoking painting competition on Thursday at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK). This event, held under the theme “Keeping Humanity Alive” for World Red Cross Red Crescent Day 2024, featured twelve talented students from UAJK’s Art & Design Department. These students creatively expressed the severe impacts of climate change on communities through their evocative artwork.

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The competition aimed to raise awareness about the devastating effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and displacement, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The winning pieces by Ms Sofia Yousaf (1st Position), Ms Mahrukh (2nd Position), and Ms Mahnoor Kamal (3rd Position) poignantly depicted the human cost of climate change and highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian action. Their art emphasized the importance of interventions like disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and building community resilience.

Ms Gulzar Fatima, Secretary of the PRCS AJK State Branch, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In her address, she praised the students for their dedication and creativity in highlighting the critical issue of climate change through their artwork. “Climate change resulting from climate-induced disasters is a stark reality that millions of people face worldwide. It is imperative that we, as global citizens, take proactive measures to address these challenges and mitigate their adverse effects,” she said. Ms. Fatima emphasized the increasing visibility of climate change effects and their profound impact on vulnerable communities.

“The Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK State Branch extends its gratitude to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for their invaluable support in making this event a success,” Ms Fatima added.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Ms. Gulzar Fatima presented each participating student with a certificate of appreciation, acknowledging their commitment to using art as a medium for social awareness and activism.

The event saw attendance from faculty members of UAJK’s Art & Design Department, including Dr Rizwana (Training Officer of PRCS Sindh Branch), Program and Disaster Management Manager Naveed Awan, Program Coordinator First Aid Yasir Josh, Communication Officer Adnan Qureshi, and volunteers of PRCS AJK. The competition not only showcased the artistic talents of the students but also served as a powerful platform to highlight the pressing issue of climate change and the need for collective action to address its impacts.

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