The Sustainable Development Study Centre (SDSC) of Government College University (GCU) Lahore on Thursday hosted “COP in My City 2025” to encourage youth participation in climate action and sustainability.

The one-day event, organised in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab ahead of COP30 in Brazil in November 2025, opened with poster, photography, and 3D model competitions that drew 253 entries from institutions across four provinces, including 104 posters, 102 photographs, and 47 models.

Speakers at the panel discussion on “Climate Crisis at Our Doorstep: Global Pledges and Local Action” stressed universities’ and youths’ roles in climate leadership, policy-making, and implementation.

GCU SDSC Director Prof Dr Faiza Sharif moderated the discussion, which was also addressed by EPA Punjab Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, Fashion Revolution Head of Policy and Research Ms Liv Simpliciano, WWF-Pakistan Director Climate Action and Sustainability Ms Nazifa Butt, and youth representative Ms Eman Idrees.

In her address, Secretary Environment Punjab Ms Silwat Saeed highlighted the provincial government’s investments in climate resilience, including the allocation of Rs650 billion for annual climate action programmes. She emphasised integrating local climate policies with global commitments, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and fostering youth participation in environmental initiatives.

Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Ms Kanwal Liaqat said that despite Pakistan’s limited contribution to global emissions, it faces severe consequences such as floods, heatwaves, and smog. She praised Punjab’s measures, including climate policies, smog mitigation programmes, industrial emission treatment, and eco-friendly initiatives.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Omer Chaudhry highlighted the role of universities in shaping climate leaders and promoting research-based sustainability, and emphasised youth empowerment, capacity building, and aligning scientific research with practical climate solutions.

Ms Nazifa Butt outlined WWF’s contributions to emissions reduction and policy support, while Ms Liv Simpliciano discussed the fashion sector’s environmental impact and strategies for sustainable decarbonisation.

Prizes were announced at the closing ceremony, where top honours went to Fizza Fatima of LCWU in school/intermediate photography, Fatima Tanveer of GCU in Photography Category II, Rumaisa Fatima of LCWU in posters, Irma John of LCWU in school/intermediate 3D models, and Maham Zahid of GCU in 3D Model Category II.