Climate change: Pakistani school wins int’l award

DUBAI: In a momentous achievement at the UN Climate Summit COP28 in Dubai, Pakistani school Kort Education Complex secured the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Award for Climate Change.

The school’s innovative project, presented by students Summiya and Kanza, focused on cultivating an organic garden with minimal water usage. The award ceremony held at the Dubai Expo during the World Climate Conference saw United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally presenting the accolade to the talented Pakistani students. Summiya, one of the recipients, expressed her honour on receiving the award and conveyed the UAE president’s congratulations to Pakistan.

Summiya and Kanza’s project not only showcased the innovation of growing an organic garden with limited water resources but also presented a comprehensive plan for producing fertilizer from waste. This groundbreaking initiative led them to victory in the Global High School category, surpassing competitors from India and Bangladesh.

Reflecting on their inspiration, Summiya and Kanza revealed their admiration for environmental efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding leader of the UAE. Despite pursuing pre-medical studies, the students expressed their commitment to continue environmental works inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s legacy.

The Kort Education Complex, managed by the Kashmir Orphan Fund, is situated in Muzaffarabad. Founded by Akhtar Hussain and his friends after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

Principal Zeb Al-Nisa underscored the significance of representing Pakistan at a global platform, emphasizing the transformative impact on the lives of orphans and destitute children studying at the complex.

Akhtar Hussain, the patron of Kort Education Complex, hailed the victory as a source of renewed spirit and hope among students.