LAHORE: German Ambassador to Pakistan, Ms. Ina Lepel, emphasized Germany's dedication to achieving climate neutrality by 2045, while also underscoring the importance of youth welfare, global peace, and academic collaboration with Pakistan. During an interactive session at the Punjab University Institute of Administrative Sciences, she highlighted Germany's focus on renewable energy and the strategic shift towards electric vehicles amid rising petroleum prices.

According to University of the Punjab, Ms. Lepel elaborated on Germany's efforts to enhance global environmental standards through green technology and renewable energy initiatives. She addressed the current geopolitical climate, acknowledging the fragile state of global peace and advocating for dialogue as the path to sustainable conflict resolution. The ambassador also noted Germany's role in strengthening Europe's strategic self-reliance and described the European Union as a significant trade bloc.

Ms. Lepel praised Pakistan's diplomatic engagement at multilateral forums, highlighting the country's contributions to the United Nations Security Council. She revealed a recent conversation between the German Chancellor and Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing Berlin's interest in South Asian stability. On educational collaboration, she noted the presence of around 10,000 Pakistani students in Germany and the ongoing efforts to expand academic exchanges and scholarship opportunities.

During her visit, the ambassador met with Punjab University's Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, who expressed the university's commitment to fostering joint research and faculty collaborations with German institutions. The discussions underscored the importance of international research partnerships for innovation and knowledge sharing, aiming to strengthen academic ties between the two countries.