21/09/2026
First International Conference on Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities Kicks Off at University of Chitral
The First International Conference on “Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities in Pakistan” commenced today at the University of Chitral. The three-day international conference was formally inaugurated by Vice Chancellor University of Chitral, Prof. Dr. Hazir Ullah. The opening ceremony was graced by Vice Chancellor University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Mardan, Prof. Dr. Gul Muhammad Khan, Dr. Inayatullah Faizi and other distinguished guests from the regions
The conference has brought together scholars, researchers, academicians, experts and development practitioners from Pakistan and abroad to deliberate on emerging challenges and strategies for building sustainable and resilient communities.
In his opening and welcome address, Prof. Dr. Hazir Ullah expressed his gratitude to all the guests, keynotes from within the country and across the globe for joining the important academic gathering at the University of Chitral. He highlighted the growing challenges confronting communities, particularly climate change, natural disasters and other emerging vulnerabilities.
The Vice Chancellor observed that the world is currently at a crossroads where conventional approaches to development are no longer sufficient. He emphasized that development remains incomplete without resilient communities, adding that sustainable development requires communities capable of anticipating, responding to and recovering from disasters and other challenges.
Speaking at the occasion, Guest of honor, Prof. Dr. Gul Muhammad Khan, Vice Chancellor UET Mardan, congratulated Prof. Dr. Hazir Ullah and the University of Chitral on successfully organizing the international conference. He appreciated the initiative and termed the gathering a significant platform for academic and professional exchange.
Prof. Dr. Gul Muhammad Khan also discussed the importance of early warning systems in Chitral and shared his efforts toward making the early warning system project successful. He emphasized the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academia and expressed his willingness to explore partnerships between UET Mardan and the University of Chitral in AI-related technologies and initiatives.The Chief organizer of the conference Dr. Shah Fahad gave an overview of the conference.
Renowned scholar and writer Dr. Inayatullah Faizi participated as a keynote speaker and provided valuable insights into climate change and its impact on marginalized and vulnerable segments of affected communities. His address highlighted the need to ensure that climate resilience initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the needs of communities most vulnerable to environmental changes.
Dr. Peter Charles Taylor from Australia also joined the conference online and delivered an insightful address on “Transforming Education for a Sustainable World.” He emphasized the transformative role of education in developing knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for addressing global sustainability challenges.
The conference is being moderated by Dr. Hafizullah and Ms. Uzma Sher, who are facilitating the academic proceedings and discussions.
The three-day conference will feature a series of keynote addresses, academic presentations and interactive discussions by distinguished national and international scholars. Among the prominent speakers scheduled to share their expertise are Ali Akbar Qazi, Dr. Bill Atweh (Australia), Ms. Rehana Kausar and Dr. Khalid Khan, who will provide diverse perspectives on sustainable development, resilience, education, climate change and community empowerment.
As a gesture of respect and hospitality, Prof. Dr. Hazir Ullah, Vice Chancellor University of Chitral, presented a traditional Chitrali cap to Prof. Dr. Gul Muhammad Khan, Vice Chancellor UET Mardan.
