Marking World Environment Day in Islamabad, Zakat Foundation of America Pakistan brought university talent together through the Youth Climate Innovation Challenge, where young participants presented practical ideas to tackle environmental and climate-related challenges across the country.
The event highlighted youth climate innovation in action, with students showcasing projects on environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, sustainable business models, climate-resilient technology, recycling-based products and other eco-friendly initiatives. Their ideas were shared before a panel of judges that included environmental experts and professionals, reflecting growing interest in youth-led solutions for sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Fazal-ur-Rehman, Country Director of Zakat Foundation of America Pakistan, said young people bring the creativity, energy and determination needed to confront the climate crisis and support a greener future. He said climate change remains one of the most serious challenges facing humanity and stressed that youth must be given opportunities to lead practical innovation.
“Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing humanity today, and young people have a critical role to play in developing innovative and practical solutions,” he said, adding that the organisation remains committed to empowering youth through environmental leadership and innovation.
Chief guest Dr. Muhammad Bashir Khan, Member of the Environmental Protection Tribunal, praised the participants for their commitment to sustainability and noted that youth-driven platforms can help generate effective responses to environmental problems. He said encouraging such initiatives is important for building long-term solutions that can support both local and national environmental goals.
The competition featured a wide range of projects focused on waste management, recycling, green entrepreneurship, climate resilience and the responsible use of resources. Participants also demonstrated how technology and creative thinking can be used to address environmental concerns in a practical and scalable way.
At the end of the event, the top three teams were recognised for their innovation and performance. Mudassir Aslam of the University of Lahore, founder of ReLife.pk, secured first place for his sustainable environmental solution. Anum Nawaz of the University of Sargodha, founder of VerdiGrow, took second place for her climate-focused initiative.
The third position went to a team from the University of the Punjab comprising Maleeha Zahoor, Purva Naseer and Maham Mehmood for their project GIS-Based Urban Green Spaces Model, which proposed a data-driven approach to urban sustainability and environmental planning.
The winning participants received cash prizes and certificates in recognition of their creativity and commitment to environmental progress. The challenge reflected ZFA Pakistan’s wider efforts to promote environmental awareness, empower young leaders and support community-led responses to climate change and conservation challenges across Pakistan.
