On the 24th of October, 2009 Punjab University students in collaboration with Rotaract Club Lahore, Pakistan Youth Climate Network, and Heinrich Böll Stiftung organized an event, which had two fold agenda.
Firstly to discuss the importance and relevance of UN (United Nations) day, and secondly to understand the significance of climate action day.
In order to achieve these objectives two speakers were invited to shed light on the above mentioned subjects.
Former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador, Shamshad Ahmad Khan, who gave an historical account of the UN and its related structures, through his lecture he pointed out the pros and cons of the system and also shared his personal experiences while working at UN. Many intriguing and relevant questions were raised by the students which led to an interesting debate.
The second half was dedicated to the climate action day. It started with screening of a video documentary “Climate challenge, voices of Pakistan”, which paved the way for Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Ramay Research Associate from SDPI (Sustainable Development Policy Institute) who discussed the strategic paper on climate change from Pakistan’s perspective. Nishat Kazmi, HBS Student Associate shed light on the process of International Climate Negotiations and the upcoming Copenhagen meeting of United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change.
Lectures and video documentary provided in-depth understanding and enhanced the capacities of the students. The event ended with vote of thanks which was followed by dinner.