Launching of Youth Climate Education & Fellowship Program and Capacity Building Workshop on Youth Participation in Climate Governance
Launching of Youth Climate Education & Fellowship Program and Capacity Building Workshop on Youth Participation in Climate Governance
Venue: University of Peshawar
Day & Date: Wednesday, February 28 2024
On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Transparency International Pakistan in collaboration with the University of Peshawar launched Youth Climate Education & Fellowship Program and Capacity Building Workshop on Youth Participation in Climate Governance. The event was attended by a total of 80 students from various departments of the university of Peshawar.
The main objective of the fellowship is to engage and enhance university students’ capacity to understand and address climate change challenges. By equipping them with skills and exposure to climate policies, advocacy, and social accountability, the program will provide educational enhancement regarding basic climate change concepts, impact assessment, mitigation strategies, adaptation techniques, and social accountability. It will involve practical engagement and training in understanding climate policies and communication strategies. The year-long fellowship will engage students through workshops, innovation challenges, and community outreach programs.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Dr. Shakeel Khan, lecturer at the University of Peshawar and the Program Coordinator, Youth Climate Fellowship, welcomed students and the faculty. He expressed university’s appreciation in hosting the fellowship program and emphasized its significance as an incredible opportunity for students to develop their skills, gain knowledge, and make a real difference in combating climate change and promoting transparency.
Ms. Nasreen Memon, Project Coordinator at TI Pakistan, outlined the objectives of the Youth Climate Fellowship, highlighting its value proposition for youth engagement. She emphasized the importance of the youth perspective, citing their fresh ideas and urgency. The fellowship focuses on capacity building, equipping youth with skills to lead and promote accountability in climate initiatives. She highlighted that the fellowship would foster leadership development by providing opportunities to connect with experts and activists in the field of climate change.
Ms. Memon added that the fellowship will run for 10 months from March to December 2024. TI Pakistan, in collaboration with the University of Peshawar, will host interactive sessions with climate experts and policymakers. Fellows will also organize debates, poster competitions, and essays to encourage transparent climate action. Fellows will participate in outreach activities and community work (wherever possible), promoting climate awareness, while local civil society networks will be mobilized for knowledge exchange.
Next, Mr. Kashif Ali, Executive Director TI Pakistan thanked the vice chancellor, Prof Muhammad Saleem, Dr. Bushra Khan, Director P&D, Dr. Shakeel Khan, Lecturer, faculty and students, university of Peshawar for their collaboration in establishing Youth Climate Education & Fellowship program. He focused on youth-led climate action, highlighting its role in local empowerment, grassroots innovation, education, awareness, and policy influence. He emphasized on the significance of the youth involvement in building resilience, and fostering inclusivity for sustainable development and collective impact, particularly within the context of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Climate Change Policy 2022.
Dr. Bushra Khan, Director Planning and Development, University of Peshawar commended the collaboration between TI Pakistan and the University, highlighting the benefits for students who will gain valuable knowledge and skills to contribute to global efforts against climate change and promoting transparent climate action.
Dr. Shakeel Khan, lecturer at the University of Peshawar informed the students that the selection form for the Youth Climate Fellowship will be available on the university website, and a total of 35 students will be selected. He assured a smooth running of fellowship activities after the selection process.
Concluding the event, Mr. Basharat, Dean Department of Criminology, University of Peshawar praised TI Pakistan’s pioneering initiative and stressed the pivotal role of youth in combating climate change. He highlighted the unique opportunity for students to gain valuable skills and make sustainable contributions through active engagement. Mr. Basharat emphasized the importance of youth-led initiatives, innovation, and advocacy, urging students to apply for the fellowship and make a meaningful impact on shaping a sustainable future.
The event concluded with the presentation of appreciation tokens and certificates for the participants.
