Lahore: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Punjab, in partnership with Government College University (GCU), hosted the ‘COP in My City 2024’ event on Monday. This initiative brought together students, policymakers, and environmental experts to promote climate action and sustainability in Punjab.

According to Government College University, the event featured a creative competition involving photography, posters, and 3D models, with participation from 110 students across 22 educational institutions from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sindh, and Punjab. The Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, Kanwal Liaqat, and GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir commended the students’ contributions, emphasizing the role of creative projects in environmental advocacy.

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion titled “In Solidarity for a Green World: Strengthening Inter-Sectoral Linkages for Climate Action in Punjab,” where experts discussed the necessity of innovative environmental solutions and community engagement. Secretary of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Division, Raja Jahangir Anwar, in his keynote address, called for increased tree plantation efforts, collaborative actions across sectors, and initiatives to combat smog.

The panel, moderated by Prof. Dr. Faiza Sharif of GCU’s Sustainable Development Study Centre, included diverse voices such as EPA Director General Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, and representatives from various sectors who explored sustainability challenges and innovations in Punjab.

The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between GCU and the Punjab EPA, aimed at fostering ongoing collaboration to advance environmental sustainability. This partnership marks a significant step towards integrating academic insights with governmental efforts to tackle environmental issues.