Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), in partnership with the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, concluded the Climate Action Fellowship 2024 with a final Policy Dialogue at F-11 College, Islamabad. This initiative empowered 50 educators from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to become climate champions, transforming grassroots efforts into actionable policy recommendations.
The fellowship addressed the urgent need for climate action in KP, a region particularly vulnerable to environmental challenges such as glacial melt and frequent floods. By equipping educators with tools and knowledge, the program sought to integrate awareness and sustainable practices into local communities.
“This fellowship enabled collective action through educators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” said Dr. Fozia Parveen, Assistant Professor at AKU-IED and Principal Investigator of the fellowship. “By connecting grassroots initiatives to governance, we aim to drive sustainable, long-term change.”
During the event, two books authored by the fellows—a fiction novel and a short story collection—were launched, along with a student contribution from Chitral. Policymakers, educational experts, and fellows convened to discuss the integration of climate education into provincial and national frameworks.
Masood Ahmad, Secretary of the Elementary & Secondary Education Department in KP, emphasized the importance of the initiative while signing a Letter of Notification. “This project has provided opportunities for teachers passionate about the environment to drive local action. We welcome such initiatives in the future as climate change impacts us every day,” he said.
The event showcased 50 grassroots projects, including reforestation efforts and waste management campaigns, and featured presentations on fellowship outcomes. A policy dialogue aligned climate education with national priorities, while a panel discussion brought together esteemed experts, including:
- Dr. A.H. Nayyer, Renowned Physicist and Scholar
- Sarah Mehmood, Manager of Environment and Social Safeguarding, WWF
- Dr. Qaisar Imran, Manager of Research, National Institute of Disaster Management
- Dr. Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED
- Dr. Riaz Hussain, Assistant Professor and Head of Professional Development Centre Chitral, AKU-IED
The fellowship’s top 20 projects received incentives to ensure scalability and sustainability. Fellows emphasized the urgent need for curriculum reforms, teacher training, and collaboration with local communities to advance climate education.
The Climate Action Fellowship 2024 highlights the pivotal role of education in addressing the climate crisis and bridging the gap between grassroots initiatives and governance. The initiative exemplifies how empowered educators can lead the way in fostering sustainable, community-driven solutions.