On the 8th and 9th of March 2024, Habib University held a student research conference titled ‘Aamozish-e-Tehqeeq – Navigating Climate, Gender and Peace’. Organized by the Social Development and Policy (SDP) program, the conference made an effort to understand how climate change has affected the different segments of society concerning gender and marginalized minorities.
Aamozish-e-Tehqeeq Conference: Overview
The Amozish-e-Tehqeeq conference was attended by participants from varied backgrounds, including young academics, researchers, educators, promoters of climate change, and policymakers. They availed this platform to ponder on the connections between gender, peace efforts, and the difficulties presented by climate change in Pakistan.
The conference featured film screenings, skill-building and artistic workshops, and panel discussions. Every element of the event was planned to draw attention to the ways in which these themes overlap and to spark thought-provoking conversations.
Notable attendees include Madiha Latif (Pathfinder International), Farhan Anwar (Faculty Member and Urban Planner), and Renuka Swamy (UNFPA).
Organized Efforts: Understanding Climate Vulnerability
Speaking at the conference, the US Consul General Conrad Tribble emphasized that climate change, being a global crisis, requires immediate action. He further added that climate resilience efforts should be integrated within the framework of the US and Pakistan Green Alliance and that gender-sensitive policies should be taken into account when making decisions.
Furthermore, Pakistani Country Director, USIP, Imran Khan, emphasized the importance of dialogue between different disciplines. He also addressed the importance of elevating the lived experiences of women in Pakistan, stating, “These discussions have the potential to yield tangible outcomes.”
Addressing the conference, Dr. Aamir Hasan, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Habib University, noted that Pakistan is at risk of climate change and that restoration efforts are urgently needed. Conference Chair, Dr. Shama Dossa, Associate Professor at Habib, pointed out that climate change exacerbates already existing inequalities, especially among women and minorities.
Key Moments of the Aamozish-e-Tehqeeq Conference
The Aamozish-e-Tehqeeq Conference held at Habib University in Karachi provided a platform for scholars to show their research on various topics.
Participants engaged in skill-building workshops, such as the Mapathon and Theatre Devising Jam to improve their practical skills and creative expression on the subject. Furthermore, the students of Habib University presented insightful papers on various subjects, including gender inequality, resilience building, climate change, and urbanization.
In addition, film screenings such as “A Cry From the Mountains” by Karim Shallwanee and “The Sky is Far” by Haya Fatima Iqbal prompted people to think about Pakistan’s environmental problems and how they affect society. These screenings also led to discussions on the role of cinema in creating awareness and promoting action on climate change.
Wrap-Up: Striving for Sustainability
The Aamozish-e-Tehqeeq Conference at Habib University in Karachi is a step towards starting crucial conversations concerning gender inequality, climate change, and attempts to promote peace. The faculty at Habib believes in the importance of working together and creating spaces for dialogue on these topics within the community and internationally as well.
