World Water Day (WWD) is an annual United Nations Observance Day celebrated at CUI Wah Campus under the flagship of UNESCO Chair on Knowledge Systems for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) on March 14, 2024. The objective of WWD was to raise awareness on the global, regional, and local levels to highlight Pakistan's water conflicts, prevention, effects on communities, and building resilience to shared challenges, with a focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Water and Sanitation for all. The World Water Day revolves around this year’s theme, “Water for Peace”.
Dr. Engr. Summera Fahmi, a member of the UNESCO Chair on Knowledge Systems for IWRM at CUI Wah Campus, presented a welcome address and discussed the role of the UNESCO Chair. The guest speaker, Mr. M. Dilshad Arshad, Director of Hydrology at the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), graced the event with his presence and delivered a very comprehensive talk on Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). He discussed the importance of zero water discharge strategies in reducing wastewater, supporting livelihoods, and ensuring community resilience. Mr. Arshad also elaborated on Pakistan's National Water Conservation Strategy, covering all aspects of water resources development, management, and governance. Additionally, he briefed the audience on PCRWR's activities in implementing research in the agriculture, domestic, and industrial sectors for zero liquid discharge.
Lecturer and Member of UNESCO Chair, Engr. Waleed Tariq, presented the survey results on Exploring Perspectives on 'Water for Peace.' The aim of the survey was to assess awareness levels, attitudes, and behaviors related to the "Water for Peace" theme, contributing valuable insights to the discourse on water conservation and peace-building efforts. The speaker highlighted the benefits and study results. The respondents of the survey were students aged 18-25 years. It resulted in the consensus that more awareness campaigns from all stakeholders are required to highlight wastewater and water management.
The group discussion ideas on "Water Conservation and Peace" were presented by undergraduate group leaders from the University of Wah, Wah Medical College, and CUI Wah Campus from the Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Management Sciences Departments. All the groups discussed water scarcity, usage, and availability for the future, and presented topics to spread awareness on strategic matters of wastewater management systems and conflicts to achieve peace in water distribution.
Themes included:
- Water-Related Conflicts in Pakistan
- Impact of Water Scarcity on Communities
- Role of Youth in Water Diplomacy
- Water-Energy-Food Nexus
- Gender Perspectives on Water Management
- Innovative Technologies for Water Conservation
- Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
- Public Health Implications of Water Quality
- Community-based water Management Initiatives
- Educational Campaigns for Water Conservation
These themes highlight various aspects of freshwater and the challenges related to water management, providing opportunities to raise awareness, promote action, and encourage national and regional-level community-based cooperation to boost awareness of water management.
Meesum Abbas and Abdullah Zafar from the Mechanical Engineering Department got first position for presentation on innovative water technologies whereas the second position was grabbed by Junaid Malik and Emaan Irfan from the Computer Science Department for gender perspectives on water management.
In the closing ceremony, Dr. Muhammad Abid, T.I., UNESCO Water Chair on IWRM, in his closing remarks, thanked PCRWR for their cooperation and acknowledged the efforts of event organizers and participants from CUI and other institutions. He especially commended Engr. Waleed Tariq for conducting the survey and presenting its analysis report. He thanked Mr. Dilshad for sharing valuable insights on government policies and PCRWR's work progress to eliminate wastewater. He presented a souvenir to the guest and distributed appreciation certificates among participants, appreciating the valuable ideas of the students in presenting solutions to the water management problems. The event concluded with a vote of thanks.
