How can educational institutions help tackle the issue of urbanisation. An interview with Mr Hammad Noor AHMED from Superior University in Lahore
Interview by Izhar ULLAH, ASEFSU23 Young Reporter
The 23rd ASEF Summer University (ASEFSU23) on “Sustainable Cities for a Liveable Future” was a 3-month long interdisciplinary Hackathon that attracted over 80 youth participants from 39 countries across Asia and Europe. Divided into a range of groups, participants were tasked to collaborate, guided by experts and mentors to develop ideas for sustainable cities. The programme was set in the backdrop of rapid urbanisation across South Asian countries. The Hackathon culminated in the conceptualisation of innovative ideas and solutions to tackle intersectional urbanisation issues specific to Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
The ASEFSU23 was a collaboration of several international partners, including higher education institutions. Superior University in Lahore was the key university partner from Pakistan. The young journalist, Mr Izhar ULLAH, interviewed Mr Hammad Noor AHMED, Coordinator at the International Office of Superior University. The interview explores how educational institutions can help tackle the issue of urbanisation.
Izhar Ullah: How do universities engage in SDG11 following their mission of teaching & research as well as own projects & initiatives?
Hammad Noor Ahmed: Universities contribute towards SDG11 by educating youth with the curriculum, which enables them to be responsible citizens and better urban planners. The course content and expert faculty members equip students with a proper understanding of urban issues. Universities are also guiding them on ways of tackling the issue of urbanisation. Moreover, universities should adopt a practicum focused approach. Through this, students are given opportunities to practically apply their ideas through various projects. Universities keep partnerships with various stakeholders to provide on-field exposure to the students. They also arrange sessions with working professionals to further enhance the knowledge of the students and motivate them. Lastly, there are collaborations with organizations such as Asia Europe Foundation and others which provide young enthusiasts with the platform to play their part in solving urban issues and contribute towards sustainable development.
Izhar: What can education-oriented youth projects like ASEFSU23 contribute to SDG11?
Hammad: Education-oriented youth projects like the ASEF Summer University facilitate students in identifying the issues that cities are facing. The recognition of the issues is the first critical step in moving towards the solution. The proper identification of the issues assists in moving in the right direction for solution against issues. For young minds, projects like ASEFSU23 are avenues for immense learning.
They interact with the other young urban planners and professionals which help them in shaping up new ideas. Education along with the projects is an apt mix which enables youth for fulfilling their responsibilities in making “Liveable and Sustainable Cities”.
Izhar: Why are non-formal projects like ASEFSU23 important to complement formal education?
Hammad: Non-formal projects like ASEFSU23 provide an opportunity for youth to be creative and innovative. These projects facilitate youth in adopting out of the box approaches. Young people meet youth from different countries, and hence getting exposure to diverse perspectives. This helps them in cross-learning and cross-sharing. Students value diversity, and they have a chance to create social and professional relationships. When bright minds from diverse backgrounds come together, the outcomes are always beneficial for society. Through these platforms, young people get the confidence to practically apply their ideas on the field. These initiatives are necessary for the profound growth of the young professionals.
Izhar: Universities in cities are often described as connecting institutions or as a bridge to work together with local, national, or international partners. The impact they bring is going beyond campus boundaries. Being a pioneer educational institute, what message or key learning do you wish to share with young minds?
Hammad: Superior University promises students to provide them with exposure that facilitates them in breaking all the limits. We are proud to have 160+ global partners on board with us. We deal in one of the highest numbers of exchange outbound students. The purpose behind creating this web of network is to provide students with the stage where they can explore their horizons. The key message to the students is to never be shy of participating or availing the opportunity that comes their way. We believe that education has no boundaries, and we will play our best part in eliminating all the boundaries that may exist. The involvement in the projects like ASEFSU23 brings international and local stakeholders together. Young people have the chance to interact with them and polish their solutions which are feasible for the being applied in the community.
Izhar: In Pakistan’s perspective, do you think educational institutions can play a role in making sustainable cities to cope with rapid urbanisation? If yes, how?
Hammad: Sixty percent of the population of Pakistan is youth and the youth is going to shape the future of the country. Education institutions are one of the key stakeholders which can address the issues of urbanisation. They can aware young generations about the current issues of urbanisation. The awareness and acknowledgement of the issues will help youth in addressing those problems and finding suitable alternatives. Moreover, education institutions can invest in arranging events and manage projects for students which connects them with the local stakeholders. There should be more community-led initiatives. With education institutions, we can jointly put in efforts to tackle these issues.
Izhar: Public transport issues and mobility issues in Pakistan are worsening after every passing day particularly in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar. How can Pakistan manage the rapid urbanisation and fight with the mobility issue?
Hammad: The issue of transport is worsening in Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi due to the enormous number of people moving into in these cities in search of better opportunities. This movement is increasing the issues of the transport and mobility. The most vulnerable groups are females because there are affordability and safety issues. There is a need for a wide campaign to aware people about the issues of rapid urbanisation. If the current rate continues, the issues will further pile up. Government needs to take strong actions by involving all other relevant stakeholders. There is also a need to create education and employability opportunities in other cities to hinder the movement of people in these cities. Furthermore, we require a proper resource division for all the cities. The accessibility of resources and jobs in all cities and areas of country is one of the sources to manage the solution against this issue.
Izhar: How do you see Pakistan’s urbanisation issue in next 10 years?
Hammad: With the current rate of urbanisation and unequal resource allocation, the issues are going to further aggravate if they are not managed properly. However, there is always a ray of sunlight due to vibrant and dynamic youth. The young generation has the ability to come up with creative and innovative ways of solving the current urban issues. In next 10 years, if young people make up a strong force and stand up against the issues, there will be pivotal steps towards sustainable development.
Izhar: Do you think events like ASEFSU23 need to be organised on local level (like on provincial level in Pakistan), where youth can sit and think of how urbanisation issue can be resolved in Pakistan?
Hammad: Definitely, events like these should be repeatedly organised at local, provincial, national, and regional levels as well. These events aware youth about the existing problems that people face in cities. Students in these events come together and work towards finding solutions. They have the chance to interact with the local community as well as local stakeholders. These initiatives will help tackle the urban issues of the country.
Mr Hammad Noor AHMED is working as an International Office Coordinator at Superior University. He has completed his graduation from Lahore University of Management Sciences. He is currently leading the Superior University’s International Exchange Program and coordinates with international partners for student exchange, faculty exchange, joint research projects, and collaborative civic engagement activities. He has been professionally associated with NGOs, start-ups, and corporate entities.
Mr Izhar ULLAH is a working journalist based in Pakistan for the last 10 years. He is currently affiliated with The Independent UK, Urdu service covering Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and bordering areas with Afghanistan. Izhar has worked with several national and international media outlets including the BBC World Service, United Press International, Daily Dawn and The Express Tribune. He has a Master’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Peshawar and also holds a Diploma in Development Journalism. Izhar has reported dozens of stories on women, gender issues, civic issues and government accountability. His major coverage included the deadliest attack on Pakistan’s Army Public School killing over 134 school children. He has also served for the German GIZ as Media Technical Advisor for its Fata Development Project and worked with the reporting team of USAID for its project entitled Conflict Victim Support Program.
NOTE:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely by the author(s) and do not represent that of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
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