The Institute of Urbanism (IoU), with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE), successfully concluded a five-day boot camp aimed at empowering youth to address the environmental issue of open waste burning (OWB) in Islamabad.
The “Social Impact for Sustainable Alternatives to Open Waste Burning” boot camp brought together young changemakers to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to this pressing challenge.
The boot camp provided participants with a holistic understanding of OWB, focusing on the integration of social impact, behavior change, and entrepreneurship. Experts from various sectors led sessions, sharing insights on waste management, community engagement, and innovative resource solutions.
Representatives from the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC), including Manager Operations Engr. Bilal Niazi, discussed advancements in waste management technologies, emphasizing the role of youth in driving future innovation. “Partnership with international companies has enabled us to implement advanced waste management technologies. However, real progress requires ongoing adaptation, and the youth can drive this forward through innovation,” Niazi said.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Program Fellow at IoU, highlighted the public health risks associated with OWB, particularly for vulnerable communities. He stressed the urgent need to address toxic emissions from OWB to safeguard public health and dignity. Similarly, Dr. Sofia Khalid, Head of Environmental Sciences at AIOU Islamabad, called for a shift towards a circular economy, underscoring the role of youth in promoting sustainable practices.
Digital media expert Zunaira Ali led a session on using social media to create impactful awareness campaigns, urging participants to inspire action with targeted and strategic online efforts.
During the workshop, the participants learned about practical tools for leveraging digital platforms, using the SMART approach (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to create impactful social media campaigns.
The boot camp also explored the economic potential of sustainable enterprises, with business expert Talat Azam Khan discussing how resourceful entrepreneurship can create solutions that both reduce carbon footprints and generate economic opportunities.
The event culminated in participants committing to advocate for sustainable alternatives to OWB and fostering cleaner environments in their communities. This initiative not only raised awareness but also equipped Islamabad’s youth with the skills to lead change, laying the foundation for a movement toward greener, healthier cities.