The Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO), China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences (CPJRC), and Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) successfully organized a 5-day International Training Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Green Development for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at COMSATS University Islamabad from 18 to 22 June 2026. The workshop was endorsed as an official activity of the United Nations International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD 2024–2033).
The workshop brought together more than 70 participants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Syria. The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassadors, High Commissioners, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, academia, and government institutions.
H.E. Dr. Fuad Pashayev, Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO Pakistan, graced the opening ceremony as Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he emphasized the growing challenges posed by climate change and natural hazards and highlighted the importance of science, education, innovation, and international cooperation in strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience.
Amb Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director COMSATS, underscored that disaster risk reduction and green development require strengthened international partnerships, scientific cooperation, and knowledge-sharing. Prof. Liu Weidong, Secretary-General ANSO, reaffirmed ANSO’s commitment to promoting international scientific cooperation and talent development among Belt and Road countries. Rector COMSATS University Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, highlighted the role of academic institutions in developing practical and science-based solutions for climate-induced hazards, while Prof. Hong Tianhua, Executive Director CPJRC, emphasized the importance of China-Pakistan cooperation in advancing research, innovation, and capacity-building in earth sciences and sustainable development.
Over the course of five days, 18 distinguished experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan, delivered specialized lectures and practical training sessions on landslide dynamics and geophysical flow modelling, glacier systems and high-altitude hazard monitoring, disaster risk assessment and early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and de-risking investments under CPEC, flash flood forecasting, systemic disaster risk mitigation, climate science, circular economy, ecological protection, renewable energy, and regional cooperation for sustainable development.
The workshop concluded on 22 June 2026 with a closing ceremony graced by the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, H.E. Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, as Chief Guest. In her address, she emphasized the importance of integrating climate resilience, environmental safeguards, and disaster risk considerations into infrastructure investments to ensure sustainable and inclusive development. She highlighted the need for people-centred climate action and underscored the potential of CPEC to serve as a model of resilient, green, and sustainable development.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria reaffirmed COMSATS’ commitment to science-based solutions for climate resilience and sustainable development. He emphasized that future progress depends on integrating risk-informed decision-making, climate science, ecosystem protection, and technological innovation into national development policies and investment frameworks.
Remarks were also delivered by Dr. Lei Yu, Director CPJRC; Prof. Dr. Mohammad Akmal, Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF); and Mr. Muhammad Raza Ahmed Khan, Head of ORIC, COMSATS University Islamabad, on behalf of the Rector. The speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening early warning systems, enhancing institutional preparedness, and promoting international scientific cooperation to address emerging environmental and developmental challenges.
The workshop significantly enhanced participants’ technical capacities, facilitated knowledge exchange and networking, and strengthened regional and international collaboration. The partnerships and knowledge generated through the workshop will contribute to building resilience, promoting green development, and advancing climate-responsive development pathways for CPEC and the broader Belt and Road region.
