Aror University’s International Conference on Climate Resilience Inaugurated by Secretary Sindh Universities & Boards ; SALU Khairpur Vice Chancellor Advocates Academic Leadership in Climate Action
Aror University’s International Conference on Climate Resilience Inaugurated by Secretary Sindh Universities & Boards ; SALU Khairpur Vice Chancellor Advocates Academic Leadership in Climate Action
Press Release :
Khairpur, June 21, 2025
Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage, Sukkur, hosted the 2nd International Symposium on Climate Change and Sustainable Futures (DCCFSBQLE – 2025), bringing together scholars, academic leaders, and researchers from Pakistan and abroad to deliberate on the climate crisis and sustainable development pathways.
The conference was inaugurated by Mr. M. Abbas Baloch, Secretary, Universities & Boards Department, Government of Sindh, who served as Chief Guest. He appreciated the university’s efforts in organizing an intellectually engaging and globally relevant forum, and assured full support from the department for research-driven climate initiatives, academic-policy linkages, and international collaborations.
The inaugural session was opened by Dr. Zahid Hussain Khand, Vice Chancellor of Aror University, who welcomed participants and presented the aims and objectives of the symposium. He emphasized the critical role of academia in addressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches and actionable research.
The symposium featured distinguished keynote speakers from various countries. Dr. Steven Christopher Bonta from the United States explored the impact of climate change on the ancient Indus Valley civilization, drawing historical parallels to today’s environmental threats. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal from Pakistan emphasized the shift from awareness to action in coastal communities through education and research. Dr. Zehlia Selçuk Solomon from Turkey discussed the role of ecosystem health and human well-being under environmental stress.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khushk, Vice Chancellor of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, addressed the forum as a distinguished speaker on the theme “The Role of Academia in Climate Action.”
In his thought-provoking speech, he stated:
“Climate change is no longer a debate — it is a lived reality. From melting glaciers in the north to sea intrusion in coastal Sindh, the signs are undeniable and existential. Yet within this crisis lies an opportunity to redefine progress, reconnect with nature, and promote sustainability.”
Dr. Khushk stressed the need for universities to act as beacons of environmental responsibility, cultivating a culture of sustainability not only through curricula but through active research and innovation. He urged students to lead efforts in renewable energy, green policy, and resilient agriculture. He called for interdisciplinary collaboration, policy integration of academic research, and strong academia-government partnerships, aligned with Pakistan Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Concluding his address, he said:
“Let us not be remembered as the last generation that could have changed everything — but did nothing. Let us be the generation that rose with knowledge, with will, and with unity to heal what was harmed.”
The inaugural session was also attended as guest speakers by notable academic leaders, including Prof. Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Vice Chancellor of IBA Sukkur; and Prof. Dr. Shazia Anjum, Vice Chancellor of the Women University, Bahawalpur, DC Sukkur MB Dharejo, CEO YBQ studio along with other dignitaries—making the event a significant convergence of scholarly insight and institutional collaboration on climate resilience.
Dr Sahib khan Oad
Media Studies
Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur
