In association with key urban stakeholders, the Institution of Engineers (India), J&K State Centre, Monday organized a panel discussion to mark World Habitat Day 2024.
The event, themed "Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future," brought together prominent government officials, urban planners, engineers, and students to explore how the youth can play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.
The event was attended by the Corporate Members of IEI, Executive Committee Members, government officials, planners, engineers, students, and representatives from civil society, contributing to a vibrant discussion on the role of youth in addressing the urban challenges of the 21st century.
The event was moderated by Er. Iftikhar Ahmad Hakim, FIE, Chairman of The Institution of Engineers (India), J&K State Centre, who also highlighted the critical role of engineers and planners in ensuring urban resilience and sustainability. The program was coordinated by Dr. Jahangir Ali, MIE, Honorary Secretary of The Institution of Engineers (India), J&K State Centre. Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat, MIE, Honorary Joint Secretary presented the welcome address.
The Chief Guest for the event was Dr. Owais Ahmad, IAS, Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and CEO of Srinagar Smart City Limited. He emphasized the importance of youth-driven innovation and highlighted the transformative projects being undertaken in Srinagar under the Smart City initiative and the potential of youth in spearheading these efforts. Mrs. Dilafroze Qazi, Vice Chairperson of SSM College of Engineering, graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
The event featured a panel of distinguished experts from various fields, including urban planning, engineering, and academia, who shared their insights and discussed strategies for engaging youth in urban development projects. The panel included Er. Rafiq Ahmad Rafiq, Former Chief Engineer, PW (R&B) Department, Kashmir, Mr. Anuj Malhotra, General Manager, Srinagar Smart City Limited, Er. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, FIE, Former Chief Engineer, Mr. Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Senior Town Planner, Srinagar Development Authority & Joint Commissioner (Planning), Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Mr. Sameer Hamdani, Senior Conservation Architect, INTACH Kashmir Chapter, Dr. Raja Muzaffar, Social Activist and Independent Researcher, Advocate Nadeem Qadri, Environmental Lawyer & Activist, Er. Imran Sufi, Project Manager, J&K e-Governance Agency and Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad, Director (North Campus), University of Kashmir.
The panelists presented key aspects of youth involvement in urban planning, from innovative solutions to challenges such as housing shortages and climate resilience to case studies of successful youth-led urban projects. The panelists urged for greater inclusion of youth in decision-making processes at both policy and grassroots levels.
The discussions focused on fostering partnerships between urban local bodies, academic institutions, and civil society to create opportunities for young people to participate in shaping the future of cities.