The Department of Environment at Karakoram International University (KIU) has successfully launched its inaugural Climate Summer School in 2024. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to address the region’s pressing issue of climate change.

The program has brought together individuals from regional partners and international organizations, fostering a collaborative approach to combating climate change. The Climate Summer School is set to become an annual event, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation.

Dr. Shaukat Ali, Chairman of the Department of Environmental Sciences at KIU and the Climate Summer School, welcomed the participants during the orientation and inauguration. He emphasized that this event marks the beginning of an exciting journey into climate science, policy, and action. By bringing together brilliant minds, the program aims to explore innovative solutions to the pressing challenges of climate change, foster collaboration, critical thinking, and a commitment to building a sustainable future. We appreciate the participation and support of our partners and look forward to a fruitful collaboration.

On the first day, Mr. Shehzad Hassan Shigri, Director of the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA), led a thematic session on “Eco and Adventure Tourism: Empowering Communities through Sustainable Tourism Initiatives.” This session explored the intersection of tourism and environmental stewardship, highlighting the potential of eco and adventure tourism to empower local communities. Mr. Shigri emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism practices that protect the region’s pristine landscapes while promoting inclusive growth and preserving cultural and environmental heritage.

Miss Nelam Pari, Consultant for the Climate Summer School and SDGs Advocate, engaged participants in a session on sustainability, climate action, and the role of SDGs in driving global change. In an interview with The Nation, she explained that the immersive program will offer in-depth exploration of climate change, sustainability, and environmental stewardship through engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and expert discussions.

Syed Sibt-e-Hassan’s remarkable odyssey commences in the distant enclave of Minapin in Gilgit Baltistan. His narrative stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. He started his early education in Skardu and then he moved to Hunza where he completed his secondary education. Despite modest scholastic achievements in Skardu and Hunza, the trajectory of his life took a promising turn when he enrolled in the Department of Chemistry, at Karakoram International University (KIU) in 2013. This decision, a pivotal juncture, sets the stage for a brighter future.

Emerging from a less-than-stellar academic background, Sibt-e-Hassan’s tale takes an enthralling twist upon entering Department of Chemistry, Karakoram International University. Although resource constraints shadow the university, it emerges as the nurturing ground for his aspirations. The Chemistry faculty imparts a robust foundation, defying challenges and illustrating the potential of achieving greatness with limited means. In 2017, Sibt-e-Hassan completed his undergraduate journey at KIU, earning a distinctive silver medal for his unwavering diligence.

KIU’s formative impact catalyzes a series of significant accomplishments. A turning point emerges as Sibt-e-Hassan gains admission to the esteemed HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry in Pakistan. Through rigorous effort, he penned research papers during his master’s pursuit, a milestone reflecting his thirst for knowledge. In the same eventful year of 2019, he concluded his MPhil studies with a stellar paper, embarking on a PhD voyage within the same institution. This underscores his resolute dedication to the pursuit of learning.

Yet, the narrative unfolds further! Sibt-e-Hassan secured the prestigious Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarship, affording him a transformative year of research on electrocatalysis in the United Kingdom. This scholarship, a testament to his academic prowess, serves as a pivotal chapter in his journey, fortified by the bedrock of education he received at KIU.

Reflecting on his remarkable trajectory, Sibt-e-Hassan’s expedition underscores the profound impact of education and tenacity. KIU, though modest in its resources, emerges as a guiding light. His gratitude extends to KIU and the mentors who illuminated his path, shaping him into a paragon of success. His voyage imparts the profound lesson that perseverance coupled with opportune moments can propel individuals toward remarkable achievements.

Once upon a time, nestled in the serene village of Govach, there lived a remarkable young woman named Adeeba. From her early years, it was clear that she was destined for greatness. Despite the challenges of growing up in a small village, Adeeba displayed an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an unyielding determination to overcome any obstacles in her path.

Adeeba’s academic journey began at the Federal Government Girls High School No.1 in Gilgit. Throughout her schooling, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and earned her Secondary School Certificate with an impressive 60.35% marks. Her achievements continued as she graduated from Al-Mustafa Public School and College with a Higher School Certificate, securing 61.36% marks in 2009. One of the defining aspects of Adeeba’s success was the support she received from her teachers. She fondly remembered the caring and inspiring educators who guided her along the way, their names etched in her memory as a testament to their influence on her life. After completing her intermediate education, Adeeba’s dreams soared even higher. She gained admission to the Department of Chemistry at Karakoram International University, where her passion for the subject truly blossomed. With unwavering determination, she graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Organic Chemistry, amassing an impressive 74% marks. Her journey was marked by rigorous studies and dedication, a reflection of her father’s belief in providing his children with the best education possible.

Guided by her mentor Dr. Iftikhar Alis’s encouragement and her own thirst for knowledge, Adeeba’s aspirations reached new heights. In 2014, she secured a coveted spot at the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry at the University of Karachi. Under the mentorship of the esteemed Prof. Dr. Syed Ghulam Musharraf, Adeeba embarked on a path of research and discovery that would shape her future. Years of dedication and hard work culminated in November 2017, when Dr. Adeeba proudly completed her M.Phil. degree with a remarkable GPA of 3.98, achieving the highest GPA in her class. This achievement not only showcased her intellectual prowess but also demonstrated her unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Her accomplishments during this period laid the foundation for her future endeavors.

The thirst for knowledge and the desire to push boundaries didn’t stop there. Dr. Adeeba’s pursuit of academic excellence led her to enroll in a Ph.D. program in 2018, once again at the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry. The next five years were a testament to her endurance, as she navigated the complexities of doctoral research. In 2023, her determination bore fruit as she successfully completed her Ph.D. with a GPA of 3.90.

In 2018, Dr. Adeeba marked another milestone in her academic journey by publishing her first research article in the esteemed journal “Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy.” This publication was a testament to her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and her ability to contribute meaningfully to her field.

In the bustling city of Karachi, amidst the chaotic rhythm of life, a remarkable woman named Dr. Adeeba embarked on a journey that would not only transform her own life but inspire countless others. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Balancing the demands of academic rigor with the responsibilities of being a mother was perhaps her greatest challenge. In the midst of her Ph.D. pursuit, in the year 2020, she was blessed with a son. This pivotal moment could have easily caused her to waver, but Dr. Adeeba’s spirit remained unbroken. She refused to let the complexities of motherhood hinder her progress. While juggling the demands of research and motherhood, Dr. Adeeba managed to shine brightly in her academic pursuits.

Yet, Dr. Adeeba’s journey was not one of solitude. She stood strong thanks to the unwavering support of her loved ones. Her sister and her son stood by her side, their presence a source of strength in the face of adversity. Additionally, she was immensely grateful to her beloved husband and her father-in-law, whose encouragement and understanding allowed her to thrive even in the most challenging times.

She expressed her gratitude towards her mentors, particularly Dr. Iftikhar Ali and Prof. Dr. S.G. Musharraf. These guiding lights recognized her potential and provided the support and mentorship she needed to navigate the treacherous waters of academia. Their wisdom and guidance were instrumental in shaping her into the brilliant researcher she had become.

In 2023, the world recognized her brilliance and potential. Two remarkable postdoctoral offers graced her doorstep: one from the University of Houston, USA, for a year, and the other from Zhejiang University, China, for an impressive three-year term. After careful consideration, Adeeba chose to spread her wings at Zhejiang University, a renowned institution that stood among the best in the world. Dr. Adeeba’s upcoming postdoctoral research at Zhejiang University, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Daniel Henry Scharf, will involve the development of an efficient method for producing diketopiperazine derivatives. The focus will also encompass the synthesis of highly effective cytotoxic epidithiodiketopiperazines, strategically designed for further derivatization. Additionally, the research aims to make strides towards achieving the complete synthesis of the tetrapetalones.

In the vast realm of academia, where knowledge and innovation converge, there are individuals who shine like beacons of inspiration, guiding others through their unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements. Dr. Adeeba’s story is one such tale of relentless perseverance and a commitment to excellence.