Panel Discussion: SDG-16, Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions in Greenwich University
Panel Discussion: SDG-16, Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions in Greenwich University
Venue: Greenwich University, Karachi Sindh
Date and Day: Saturday, September 23rd, 2023
Transparency International, in collaboration with Greenwich University and Thinkers Tribe organized a panel discussion at Greenwich University Karachi on 23rd September 2023. The main objective of the discussion was to highlight the significance of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16), which pertains to Peace, Justice, and Strong institutions.
The panel consisted of representatives from UNDP and academia including Mr. Kashif Ali, Executive Director TI Pakistan, Mr. Ahmad Hasan, UNDP SDG Unit Sindh, Ms. Sabeena Abbasi, Development Practitioner, Mr. Ali Jillani, Director ORIC and Advisor to Vice-Chancellor, Greenwich University and Ms. Saima Khuhro, Sustainability Expert, Dawood University of Engineering. The panel was moderated by Ms. Mubashshira Abid.
Mr. Kashif Ali Executive Director highlighted the role of corruption in hindering the achievement of SDG-16. He emphasized the strategies which can be employed to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability. He focused on the need for strict anti-corruption laws, protection for whistleblowers, and transparent governance. He also highlighted that the independent oversight bodies and ethics training programs are essential along with engaging civil society in mainstreaming the anti-corruption targets of SDG16.
Mr. Ahmad Hasan from UNDP SDG Support Unit Sindh spoke on the significance of SDG-16 within the broader framework of Sustainable Development Goals and why is it considered a cornerstone for sustainable development. He highlighted that SDG16 is a crosscutting goal which affects our progress on rest of 16 goals. He encouraged students to contribute through research and youth initiatives towards SDGs implementation in Pakistan.
Next, Ms. Sabeena Abbasi, Development practitioner emphasized the importance of quality education for all and its role in empowering citizens, youth and vulnerable marginalized groups towards accessing justice and promoting rule of law. She highlighted the need for targeted initiatives to address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing legal resources and services.
Ms. Samina Khoro emphasized the crucial role played by civil society organizations, NGOs, and individuals in both implementing and monitoring SDG-16 at local and national levels. She highlighted that civil society, youth and general citizens have increased role in the promotion of SDGs and highlighted various initiatives which youth can take through social media to promote awareness around SDGs.
Mr. Ali Jilani, Director ORIC and Advisor VC Greenwich emphasized the critical role of education and awareness campaigns in promoting the principles of SDG-16 and actively involving citizens in its effective implementation. He explained in detail that universities also have responsibility to contribute towards SDGs through research and evidence and highlighted the role of Greenwich Research Wing in producing research papers and policy advocacy at national and international level.
Following the panel discussion, Q&A session was held during which participants asked questions from the speakers.
The event was concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Kamran Ahmed Soomro, Director Thinkers Tribe. The participants were given participation certificates.
