The NUST Summer School on Climate Change 2025 concluded on a high note, bringing together some of the brightest young minds, climate scientists, environmentalists, and researchers under one roof for an intensive residential boot camp at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. The program united 100+ young climate change makers from across Pakistan and beyond, with a shared purpose: to explore solutions to one of the greatest challenges of our time—climate change.
A Platform for Knowledge, Dialogue, and Action
Over the course of the boot camp, participants engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and collaborative policy dialogues. With Pakistan ranked among the most climate-vulnerable countries, the urgency to create actionable strategies resonated throughout the discussions. The summer school became a melting pot of expertise, where academic insights, grassroots perspectives, and innovative solutions were brought together to shape impactful policy recommendations.
The program’s unique design focused not only on academic learning but also on hands-on approaches that emphasized practical action. Young participants worked in teams to design community-focused interventions and present strategies that could be implemented locally and nationally.
Spotlight on Pakistan’s Recent Climate Catastrophes
One of the most pressing issues highlighted during the camp was the devastating impact of recent floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), particularly in regions such as Swat, Buner, and adjacent areas. These regions faced severe human casualties and infrastructural damages, leaving communities vulnerable and in urgent need of climate-resilient systems. Participants also reflected on the broader flood impacts in Sindh, Balochistan, and South Punjab—regions where recurring disasters have pushed millions into climate-induced displacement.
These real-life case studies allowed the summer school to ground its discussions in present-day realities, reminding participants that climate change is not a myth—it is a lived reality for millions in Pakistan.
Policy Recommendations and Advocacy Strategies
1.At the conclusion of the program, participants drafted policy inputs and recommendations on how Pakistan can move toward climate resilience. Key takeaways included:
2.Community Engagement: Training and mobilizing local communities to respond proactively to climate risks.
3.Youth Involvement: Creating platforms for young people to advocate climate action at both grassroots and policy levels.
4. Infrastructure Resilience: Building sustainable, flood-resistant infrastructure in vulnerable regions.
5. Policy Integration: Incorporating climate change considerations across national development and planning frameworks.
6. Awareness Campaigns: Organizing regular boot camps, workshops, and community drives to sensitize people about climate change as an undeniable reality.
Participants emphasized that without active community mobilization and youth-led advocacy, Pakistan’s ability to combat climate-induced catastrophes would remain limited.
Building a Movement for the Future
The NUST Summer School did not end as a singular event but as a launchpad for a long-term movement. The friendships built, networks created, and policy inputs drafted during this boot camp will continue to fuel climate change advocacy across Pakistan. It also set a precedent for how academic institutions, civil society, and young changemakers can collaborate for collective action.
✨ Founders Klub’s Contribution
It was an honour for us at Founders Klub to be part of this prestigious platform, contributing actively to the discussions, spreading awareness, and sensitizing communities at the grassroots level. We believe that meaningful climate action starts with informed and empowered communities, and our role in this initiative reflects our commitment to creating sustainable and impactful change.
📢 Climate change is here. It’s real. The time to act is now.