The Department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Education at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organized an international seminar on “Role of Higher Education Institutions to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” on April 30, 2025.
The seminar featured Dr. Afsar Rathor, President of LIOS Austria and former United Nations Executive, and Mr. Michael Zinkanell, Director of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy, as keynote speakers. The event was chaired by Dr. Muhammad Munir Kayani, Chairperson of the Department of Teacher Education, while Dr. Azhar Mehmood, Chairperson, Department of Educational Leadership and Management, attended as the guest of honor.
The seminar focused on the role of universities in addressing challenges related to climate change, illegal migration, and poverty. Dr. Rathor spoke on the impact of climate change in South Asia and stressed the importance of curriculum reform to mobilize youth in climate action. Mr. Zinkanell discussed the causes of illegal migration and the potential of higher education institutions in mitigating such trends through awareness and policy advocacy.
Faculty members and students from the Faculty of Education attended the session. Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and Dr. Muhammad Nasir Khan, organizers of the seminar, concluded the event with a vote of thanks, appreciating the speakers for their insights and engagement with the academic community.