The University of Lahore (UOL) and SDGs Academy, Islamabad have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among students and the faculty. With full support from SDGs Academy, UOL will ensure that the SDGs are incorporated in the taught curriculum and graduate research.
The students will also be prepared to en-visage their careers in the framework of SDGs.
Both institutions further agreed to conduct training and certification programmes on SDGs at UOL and SDGs Academy will provide professional trainers and content. The MoU was signed during the National Summit on SDGs jointly hosted between UOL and SDGs Academy on February 6, 2023 at the latter Defence Road Campus, Lahore. Prof Dr Muhammad Ashraf (Rector, UOL)inaugurated the summit as chief guest and Mr Ammar Jaffri (Founder & Chairman SDGs Academy), MrsAmmaraAwais (Director, Office of Student Affairs) and DrAmanUllah (Chief Joint Economist & Focal Per-son for SDGs, Planning & Development Board, Government of Punjab) attended the event as keynote speakers.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ashraf said that education, research and innovation are vital ingredients of sustainable development and the trio make universities essential players in achieving the SDGs goals.
“Through innovation in teaching, problem-oriented research, active participation of all academic stake-holders, and corporate social responsibility pro-grammes that address community challenges, uni-versities can go a long way in fulfilling SDGs,” he said.
He maintained that the UOL is already focusing on the 17 SDGs through awareness programmes, modi-fication of existing curriculum and research agendas.