The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), an independent research organization based in Islamabad, is partnering with the University of Wah to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Pakistan. SDPI, recognized for offering evidence-based policy advice on key issues like economic growth, climate change, energy and social justice, works to bridge the gap between research and policy. This collaboration aims to promote informed decision-making and impactful interventions aligned with the SDGs.
On 09 October 2024, representatives from the University of Wah’s Department of Management Sciences, along with SDPI officials including Mr. Ubaid Ur Rehman Zia, Senior Research Associate & Lead of the Energy Unit, and Ms. Saleha Qureshi, Research Associate, Islamabad held a symposium at the SDPI office. The discussion focussed on how the University of Wah can contribute to tackling and measuring the SDGs through academic and research initiatives. Mr. Zia emphasized SDPI’s ongoing contributions to the SDGs through research and policy formulation, with a particular focus on climate resilience and renewable energy as highlighted in SDPI’s recent 2022-2023 Annual Report.
University of Wah representatives discussed their plans to integrate SDG-focused courses into their curriculum, equipping students with practical skills relevant to national sustainability frameworks. They highlighted the university’s unique role in facilitating community engagement and data collection to support SDG measurement and monitoring.
Additionally, the SDPI’s spokespersons showed their keen interest in formalizing their partnership with University of Wah through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which would lay out collaborative research and policy recommendations, as well as capacity-building initiatives. The MoU would also enable SDPI to participate in webinars, seminars, and training sessions at the university, further fostering awareness and progress toward the SDGs.
This collaboration between the University of Wah and SDPI demonstrates a mutual commitment to advancing sustainable development in Pakistan. Both institutions look forward to enhancing their contributions through education, research, and community initiatives that support the national SDG agenda.
