Islamabad:A two-day session of Urban Thinkers Campus was organized to deliberate on urban challenges and opportunities as well as to review Master Plan of Islamabad and Way forward. The UN-Habitat co-hosted the event in collaboration with COMSIAN Consulting and Department of Architecture and Design, COMSATS University.
The World Urban Campaign launched Urban Thinkers Campus. The event was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Climate Change, Ms Zartaj Gul. She noted that the problems of urbanization are augmented by encroachment and violations of City Master Plans which could only be resolved by better governance and planning.
Dean of Architecture and Design COMSATS, Prof. Dr. Samra Mohsin Khan remarked that urbanization challenge can also provide an opportunity to turn the cities into well planned cities and highlighted the need to revise the Master Plan of Islamabad according to the changing needs of the city. The Rector, COMSATS University Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar (T.I), said that Urban environment is deteriorating due to inefficient use of natural resources and highlighted the need to come up with solutions for raising awareness for efficient resource use. The President of the Institute of Architects Pakistan, Mr. Jahangir Sherpao, highlighted that new cities should be developed near each Special Economic Zones and along CPEC.
The UN-Habitat Program Manager Pakistan, Mr. Jawed Ali Khan said that UN Habitat aims to lay the foundation of Pakistan Urban Thinkers Campus to be used as platforms for action bringing together all partners for deliberating on sustainable urban development in the country.
The participants highlighted the importance of safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities. Problems of growing numbers of vehicles increasing in the cities due to lack of public transport system and need for safe and walkable neighbourhoods. The participants highlighted the importance of modern urban design and called for development of new cities. It also covered a number of issues pertaining to city planning and modern architecture. It was emphasized to focus on macro and micro urban planning issues.
At the end of the session following decisions were taken: Establish Urban Thinkers Campus- Pakistan, jointly hosted by COMSATS and the UN-Habitat, Pakistan linking it to Ministry of Climate Change to convene periodic meetings and promote implementation of New Urban Agenda and SDG 11. Master Plans of Cities should have strong legal cover so that no changes can be made by any authority.
Following short term three innovative projects were decided to be designed and launched. Designing of Pedestrian friendly Central Business District of Peshawar Designing of safe and walkable neighbourhood and Design and demonstrate Green Roof at the Ministry of Climate Change building