The National Youth Contest, organized by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) in collaboration with the partner organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, IWMI Pakistan, Islamic Relief, WaterAid, Muslim Hands and RIPHAH University is concluded today with an inspiring closing ceremony at the NCBI Auditorium, PCRWR Islamabad. The event aimed to encourage young minds of the country to engage with water-related challenges through creative posters, thought-provoking debates, and interactive water-themed UNESCO’s board games.
The debate competition featured 16 students from 08 schools, who passionately expressed their views on topics related to water conservation, wastewater management, climate change, and sustainable water management. Their insightful arguments highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping solutions for Pakistan’s water challenges.
The poster competition displayed the creativity of 62 students from 15 universities, with participants presenting innovative ideas on water related themes. Through visually compelling artwork, the students highlighted the importance of safeguarding water resources. Their posters reflected both creativity and a deep understanding of environmental challenges.
The water board games competition, organized in collaboration with UNESCO Pakistan Office, engaged 16 students from 06 schools. The interactive games provided a fun yet educational experience, simulating real-world water challenges and decision-making scenarios. Participants displayed strategic thinking and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of informed water management practices.
The three different panel of judges comprising experts of water research concluded winners of all three competitions. In addition to these competitions, two national level competitions were also organized including Essay writing competition and Documentary making competitions. Followed by the competitions, a closing session was organized to announce the winners of these competitions. Distinguished guests, including Mr. Itsuro Takahashi, WASH Manager at UNICEF, Mr. Raza Shah, Science Officer UNESCO Pakistan, Mr. Ihsanullah, Program officer Muslim Hands Pakistan, and Mr. Shah Zaib, Islamic Relief Pakistan joined the session. The event began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. Dr. Hifza Rasheed, Director General Water Quality delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the objectives of National Youth Contest and importance of youth involvement in addressing Pakistan’s water and climate challenges. Followed by this, MS Saiqa Imran, Director Water Quality announced the names and affiliation of the winners as below:
1. Debate Competition

o 1st Position: [Ms. Snabil Almas, IMCG I-9]
o 2nd Position: [Syed Ibrahim Ali, Silver Oaks School & College]
o 3rd Position: [Ms. Tayyaba Tahir, International Maarif School]

2. Poster Competition

o 1st Position: [Ms. Zoha Iqbal, COMSATS University Wah Campus]
o 2nd Position: [Ms. Muneeba Arooj, Islamic International University Islamabad]
o 3rd Position: [Ms. Hajira Noor Khalid, Islamic International University Islamabad]

3. Water Board Games Competition

o 1st Position: [Ms Iqra Jamshaid, IMCG, I-8/4]
o 2nd Position:[Ms Alishba Bibi, IMCG, Shah Allah Ditta]
o 3rd Position:[Ms Waleeja Noor, IMCG, F-7/4]
o 4th Position: [Mr Muhammad Ayan, IMCB, Shah Allah Ditta]

Winners of Documentary and Essay Writing Competitions will be announced in the closing ceremony of the Pakistan Water Week on November 7, 2024 in the Serena Hotel. In the same event, winners of all five competitions will be awarded with the cash prizes, souvenirs and certificates.

The UNICEF Representative Mr. Itsuro Takahashi in his remarks praised the participants’ creativity and commitment, stressing the importance of youth-led efforts in addressing water-related challenges. The competition focal persons distributed certificates and souvenirs to the student participants.
In the closing remarks Mr. Ihsan Ullah, Program Officer of Muslim Hands appreciated the understanding of youth for Pakistan’s water challenges and required solutions.