Karachi, July 11, 2023 (PPI-OT): The Aga Khan University (AKU) organized a media roundtable on sustainability, bringing together journalists, academics, and experts to discuss the university’s efforts towards environmental stewardship and its commitment to more sustainable practices in the context of the climate crisis. The roundtable aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and engage with the media and stakeholders to inspire dialogue and collective action towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Miriam Kugele, Global Senior Manager, Environment and Sustainability at AKU, shared insights on how the AKDN Carbon Management Tool was developed and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Carbon accounting is a critical first step in understanding any sector’s emissions and therefore being able to design, as well as monitor the impacts of decarbonisation measures. She also emphasized the university’s vision of fostering a sustainable future by integrating environmental responsibility into its operations, curriculum, and research.

Karim Sayani, Director, Communications at AKU, and Dr Zafar Fatmi, Professor and Section Head, Environmental, Occupational Health and Climate Change, at the Department of Community Health Sciences at AKU emphasised AKU’s commitment to sustainability as a strategic priority at the highest level. They further outlined other initiatives including energy conservation, waste management, water efficiency, and application of green building standards. They also discussed how academic research allows for the development of practical steps to protect people for example from heat impact, as well as the integration of sustainability principles across academic programmes and research projects.

Participants had the opportunity to interact with AKU stakeholders who shared their experiences and contributions to sustainable practices on campus. The discussions highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement in achieving sustainability goals. The media roundtable concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders, including educational institutions, and the public, to prioritize sustainability and adopt environmental friendly practices in their respective domains. AKU reaffirmed its commitment to further enhancing its sustainability efforts and serving as a model for other institutions in the region and globally.

For more information, contact:

Media Executive

Department of Public Affairs

Aga Khan University (AKU)

Stadium Road, Karachi

Tel: +92-21-34930051

Fax: +92-21-34934294, +92-21-34932095

Cell: +92-301-8258028

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Website: www.aku.edu