An eight, 8th International Water Conference (8IWC) on “Valuing Water for Sustainability” is jointly organized by PCRWR, Riphah International University and UNICEF Pakistan from 6-7, March 2024, at PCRWR Headquarter Islamabad. Dr. Hifza Rasheed, Director General PCRWR inaugurated the ceremony by delivering welcome remarks. She gave an overview on vulnerability of Pakistan to the climate change expected consequences being faced by the country and required actions.
Dr. Rashid Aftab, Director Public Policy, Riphah University presented the conference overview and 02 days’ sessions. The Guest of Honor, Dr. Anis Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, Riphah University emphasized on importance of water and behavioral changes for water conservation. The Guest of Honor, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid, T.I UNESCO Chair Comsats University Wah, Campus stressed on importance of collection of data with integrated approach. The Guest of Honor Prof. Dr Athar Hussain, Head of Department of Meteorology Comsats Islamabad presented his research findings on climate change and remedial measures to reduce the impacts of climate change.
The Guest of Honor Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Advisor to IWMI and Former Chairman of PCRWR explained the importance of water in the light of Quran. He narrated that water is whole ecology regulating ecosystem, therefore water wastage can be controlled by behavior change. Ms. Kiran Kazi Unicef Representative talked about innovation and collaboration as main issues to be addressed in water sector. She said that Youth is the catalyst for change and Unicef is always there to address these issue in future.
The session was followed by 02 panel discussion on “Leveraging innovation to secure Pakistan’s Water Future.” and “Rain water Harvesting to manage Urban Flooding” along with Thematic Session I: Climate Change Adaptability, Water Governance and GLOF”.
The 02-day conference was organized under Thematic session II: Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Thematic Session III: Water Productivity: Water, Energy, Food Nexus & Hydro Diplomacy. In total 52 participants presented their publications on the designated thematic sessions.
Dr. Rashid Aftab Director Public Policy, Riphah University concluded the conference with his valuable closing remarks. Ms. Saiqa Imran, Director Water Quality PCRWR delivered the vote of thanks and distributed the certificates and shield among participants and organizers.