The Emergency Services Academy (Rescue 1122), the International Emergency Team United Kingdom (IET-UK) and University of Engineering and Technology (UET) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to share the best practices, training modules, standards, applied research, organizational innovation in the fields of integrated emergency & disaster management, urban planning, health, safety and environmental management besides public health and road safety to prevent emergencies.
Punjab Emergency Service Director General Dr Rizwan Naseer, UET Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Syed Mansoor Sarwar, International Emergency Team UK Chairperson Mehrban Sadiq and Chairman, City & Regional Planning Department, UET, Lahore signed the MoU in a ceremony held at UET. Assist. Prof Richard Kotter Trustee, IET-UK and Registrar Emergency Services Academy Dr Muhammad Farhan Khalid also signed the documents.
According to the accord, three institutions will collaborate to bridge the gap between Academia, practitioners, Professions and the Voluntary sector to facilitate and carry out evidence-based research with a view to implementing appropriate solutions, creating internships and exchanges. They will also collaborate to establish quality volunteering opportunities based on the challenges faced in the fields of urban planning, public health, integrated emergency management and disaster management. The Rescue 1122 will also provide complete access to data for research purposes.
While speaking at the occasion, DG Rescue Punjab said that Punjab Emergency Service has established an effective system for emergency preparedness, response, protection & response. The Service is contributing towards building socially responsible, healthy, resilient and safer communities in the country. He said the ESA will provide the technical support, training facilities and access the students to data for research under this agreement. He expressed that the British Fire & Rescue, Disaster Management experts will share their best practices and operational expertise with Rescue 1122. It would also provide support towards strategic directions of Rescue 1122 to work in the directions of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, he added.
Speaking at the occasion, Professor Dr. Syed Mansoor Sarwar, Vice-Chancellor UET expressed his hopes that this MoU will go long way to the mutual progress through the development of new research and disaster management programs.
He urged the faculty and students of the UET to collaborate effectively by sharing research and academics in various modes and get maximum benefits from Rescue 1122 and IET-UK’s rich experience and resources. Reciprocating to the goodwill gestures of the VC, Asst. Prof Richard Kotter and Chairperson IET-UK expressed confidence in the successful execution of this MoU and vowed to the tangible benefits that three institutions could get through this collaboration
Prof Richard Kotter Trustee said that UK team is very pleased to see this collaboration. He said that it will be a milestone to prevent the increasing numbers of emergencies in the country.
