4th International Water Conference: “Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management for Sustainable Development & Businesses” organized by PCRWR and RIU in Islamabad on 19-21 December, 2017
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Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) and Riphah International University (RIU) in collaboration with University of Haripur, Peshawar University, Abasyn University and SHFINT is holding 4th International Water Conference on “Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management for Sustainable Development & Businesses” from 19-21 December, 2017 held at PCRWR Headquarters, Islamabad.
The conference highlighted the critical water issues and challenges and to explore way and means for integrated water recourse development and management to attain sustainable development through scientifically-sound advice under the various themes including:
- Climate change, water, food & energy security,
- Disaster risk reduction, safety planning & business continuity,
- Water scarcity & resource management,
- Impact of industrial effluents & water quality,
- Socio-hydrology & Trans-boundary diplomacy and Perspective.
Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission was the chief guest at the inaugural session. He appreciated the unique combination of government, educational and development sectors to highlight the most alarming issue of “water” and its challenges under changing climate. He apprised the audience about the ongoing projects of government to overcome the water challenges that Pakistan is facing. He appreciated the efforts of Riphah International University, PCRWR and other academic and non-governmental organization in organizing thought provoking session on a challenging issue.
Dr. Ashraf, Chairman, PCRWR, Dr. Anis Ahamd, V.C Riphah University, Dr. Abid Fareed, V.C, University of Haripur, Prof. Dr. Umer Farooq, V.C Abasyn University also addressed the conference. They were of the view that water is the key element for the socio-economic development of any country and we must not only view sustainability as a problem of science, engineering or economics; but also founded on values, ethics, and the equal contributions of different cultures. It was further stressed that comprehensive consensus oriented National Water Policy is the need of time to pursue an effective water strategy considering climate change factor which is a serious threat to Pakistan’s water supply system as well as the globe. Leading national and International Universities and R&D Organization, Water experts are participating in the conference through scholarly paper presentations. On behalf of ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), Engr. Khalil Raza participated in the inaugural ceremony of the conference.
The conference comprised of deliberations and technical sessions taking the holistic approach to address the Water sector of the country which has led to serious issues of; water scarcity, resource depletion and contamination. The uncertainty introduced with climate change has further complicated the scenario. The conference aims to address water sustainability challenges, from the perspective of access, equity, hazards and policy reforms.