The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) State Branch, in collaboration with the University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (UAJK), hosted a seminar titled “Climate Change and the Role of Youth in Addressing Its Impacts” at the UAJK Jhelum Valley Campus, Hattian. The event aimed to underscore the urgent need for youth-led climate action and to foster community resilience in AJK.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Over 200 students from various university faculties actively participated in the seminar, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Commissioner Muzaffarabad Division, Masood Ur Rehman, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Director Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Dr Shafique Abbasi, Deputy Commissioner Jhelum Valley Ishfaq Gillani, Director Operations State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Saeed Ur Rehman Qureshi, Director UAJK Imtiaz Awan, Superintendent of Police Mirza Zahid, and Assistant Commissioner Jhelum Valley.

In his address, Commissioner Masood Ur Rehman lauded PRCS AJK’s pivotal role in disaster management and humanitarian efforts, particularly its initiatives to engage and empower youth. Highlighting the urgency of climate change, he said, “Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it impacts our economy, health, and future generations. The youth hold the power to drive change. I commend PRCS AJK for empowering young minds to take on this responsibility.”

The Secretary of PRCS AJK reinforced the organization’s commitment to climate action, emphasizing that youth are key drivers of change. She added, “PRCS AJK has always prioritized community resilience and disaster preparedness. Today’s seminar underscores our belief in youth as catalysts for a sustainable future.” She also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of UAJK in organizing the event and highlighted the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PRCS AJK and UAJK on climate action.

Adding academic depth to the seminar, Dr Shafique Abbasi, Director of EPA, provided a detailed session on the environmental challenges of climate change. Saeed Ur Rehman Qureshi, Director Operations SDMA, emphasized the importance of youth-led initiatives and strategic collaborations in building climate resilience. “Building resilience against climate change requires a multi-sectoral approach. Youth-led initiatives, combined with strategic planning, can significantly reduce vulnerabilities,” he said.

UAJK Director Imtiaz Awan welcomed the attendees in his opening remarks, reiterating the university’s commitment to organizing collaborative events with PRCS AJK to address pressing environmental and societal challenges.

The seminar was also attended by key PRCS staff, including Program and Disaster Management Manager Naveed Awan, Program Coordinator Yasir Josh, Spokesperson Adnan Qureshi, HR Manager Mokhtar Qureshi, and Youth and Volunteers Officer Tahira Kazmi.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to prioritize youth engagement and collaborative efforts in combating climate change and strengthening community resilience.

Table of Contents