“This student-led initiative seeks to connect with policy makers and organisations, provide youth a voice in the environmental discourse and take practical action together for the environment,” said Khizra, the general secretary and a founding member of the Lahore Environmental Youth Council, at the launch of the initiative in Aitchison College on Friday.
The students said they would plant trees on their school campuses as well as in other parts of the city. They will also conduct a campaign to educate people about the threats to the environment.
“These young people are the decision makers of tomorrow. We need to mentor and develop environmental leaders, not just business leaders, for a sustainable future,” said Nimra Amjad-Archer, director of the Pakistan Sustainability Network. The council includes representatives from the Lahore Grammar School, Salamat International Centre for Advanced Studies, Beaconhouse, Aitchison College, Lahore College of Arts and Sciences and the Convent of Jesus and Mary. “We hope to expand and include government and private schools all over Lahore,” said council member Faizan.
The ceremony was also attended by Environment Secretary Sajjad Saleem Hotiana, Kurt Archer of the Pakistan Sustainability Network, Colonel Ejaz of Shajar Dost, Aitchison principal Fakeer Aijazuddin, lawyer Dr Pervez Hassan and Waste Busters CEO Asif Farooki.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 26th, 2011.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ