Capacity-Building Training Workshop: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG16: Peace, Justice, And Strong Institutions)
Capacity-Building Training Workshop: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG16: Peace, Justice, And Strong Institutions)
Venue: Shaikh Ayaz University, Shikarpur
Date: October 11, 2023
Transparency International Pakistan organized a capacity-building training workshop on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) at Shaikh Shaikh Ayaz University, Shikarpur on Wednesday, 11th October 2023.
The event was attended by over 120 students and faculty members of Shaikh Ayaz University Shikarpur and commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. The objective of the training was to raise awareness and enhance the capacity of students regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role young people can play in the promotion and implementation of SDG Goal 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) in Pakistan.
During the occasion, Transparency International Pakistan and Shaikh Ayaz University also joined hands to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Youth Integrity Club (YIC). YIC aims to provide a platform for student training on the topics of transparency, good governance, democratic participation, and SDGs. As part of the MoU, the university will nominate a group of four students to lead the “Youth Integrity Club” voluntarily, referred to as the ‘Student Executive Council and facilitate the council in organizing various activities such as lectures, seminars, debates, and panel discussions in collaboration with TI Pakistan. The MoU was signed by Mr. Kashif Ali, Executive Director TI Pakistan and Dr. Saqib Mahar, Registrar Shaikh Ayaz University Shikarpur.
After the signing of the MoU, Dr. Riaz Hussain Soomro, Professor Shaikh Ayaz University gave welcoming remarks. He appreciated the efforts of TI Pakistan for the promotion of youth participation in governance and policy making and highlighted the importance of sustainable development goals for the progress of Pakistan. He emphasized that Shaikh Ayaz University remains committed for the promotion of SDGs and briefed about various initiatives including establishing SDGs wall at the campus.
Next, Mr. Kashif Ali Shaikh, Executive Director TI Pakistan gave comprehensive overview of TI Pakistan and its working. He also gave brief overview of Pakistan’s standing on different SDGs and put specific emphasis on SDG 16 which is dedicated to “Promoting Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions”. He highlighted that SDG16 focuses on fostering peace and reducing violence, ensuring access to justice for all, and building strong, accountable, and inclusive institutions. It seeks to create a more peaceful and just society in Pakistan through governmental structures. He explained to students different targets and indicators on goal 16 and discussed various ideas and initiatives which young students can take through Youth Integrity Platform (YIC) to push for SDG16 implementation in Pakistan. He also argued that the inspiring vision of SDGs is challenged by risks, the most serious of which is that all 17 unanimously adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could be severely undermined by corruption. Therefore, he encouraged students to play their part in the promotion of transparent and accountable governance in their communities and local level.
Moving on, Ms. Masoom, Lecturer, Sukkur IBA University and Mr. Anwar Ali, Executive Director NARI Foundation, gave detailed presentations on the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act 2017. They effectively educated the students about the concept of RTI and its significance, enhancing their understanding of how it empowers individuals to access public information and promote transparency in governance.
Next, Ms. Chahat Batool and Ms. Sana Bugti, Lecturers Shaikh Ayaz University spoke on the topic “Youth Leadership for SDGs: Engaging the Next generation”. They engaged students in an interactive discussion on the topics of leadership and SDGs. Ms. Sana highlighted that youth today is active and they need to channelize their energies and direction to play an effective part in the society. They encouraged students to come up with the ideas to promote SDGs through the platform of Youth Integrity Club set up by TI Pakistan.
At the end, Dr. Saqib Wahab Mahar, Registrar Shaikh Ayaz University, delivered concluding remarks. He expressed his gratitude for TI Pakistan for organizing launching seminar for Youth Integrity Club and emphasized that the Universities remain steadfast to promote the ideas of ethical leadership and integrity among the students as they are the future leaders and must be aware about best integrity practices. He also emphasized that youth being 65% of Pakistan’s population has an important role in driving progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and engaging them in initiatives for a more sustainable and equitable future is the key.
The students were given certificates which was accompanied by a refreshment session, allowing attendees to network with each other.
