A pioneering European Union-funded MS programme in Climate Change and Environmental Informatics (CCEI) was launched here Monday at the National University of Technology (NUTECH) along with new MS programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
The EU-funded programme -- CCEI -- particularly addresses environmental challenges through data-driven solutions.
The launching ceremony was held at the NUTECH main campus and participated by Chargé d'Affaires of the EU Delegation to Pakistan, Mr. Philipp Oliver Gross, German Ambassador, Ms Ina Lepel, Ambassador of Romania, Dr. Dan Stoenescu, Irish ambassador, Mary O'Neill, First Secretary Embassy of Bulgaria, Mr. Tihomir Madzhev and DHM Romania Mr Eduard Preda.
Rector of the NUTECH, Lt Gen (R) Moazzam Ejaz briefed the EU and its member countries' heads/representatives on the EURAMUS ACTIVE Project, as well as NUTECH's innovative academic model and national contributions in applied technological education.
While speaking at the launch of CCEI, EU Deputy Ambassador Philipp Oliver Gross termed it an academic milestone and a living example of how knowledge, technology and partnerships could jointly shape a better future. This launch is the result of EU's support through ACTIVE (Application for Sustainable Environmental Protection) Project which is a EU-funded initiative by a consortium of Pakistani and European higher education institutions, including NUTECH.
The programme, he said was unique with its interdisciplinary spirit involving engineers, computer scientists and environmental experts who will learn to speak the same language using cutting edge tools such as AI, machine learning, the Internet of Things and sensor networks among others. He hoped CCEI would equip students to tackle climate change with confidence and innovation. Mr Philipp also noted with satisfaction the enthusiastic response by the youth, 40 students enrolled in the first take, and remarked that inauguration of first EU's Centre for Excellence for Climate Actions with ICT at the NUTECH last year was yielding positive results.
German Ambassador, Ms Ina Lepel, wishing success to the NUTECH and EU Delegation on launching a most relevant programme highlighted the need for deep understanding of ICT and environmental & climate sciences in a truly interdisciplinary, integrated programme to address environmental challenges in Pakistan through innovation and sustainable practices.
She appreciated the intellectual and practical leadership of the NUTEC in designing an environment studies programme which has become a need of the day. Ina also advised the students enrolled in this programme and urged them to preserve their curiosity and do research in climate change adaptation and mitigation especially in Pakistan and the region's context.
I am proud to be part of team Europe in EU-Pakistan collaboration in science, technology, higher education, she concluded.
Romanian envoy Mr Stoenescu was of the view that both Romania and Pakistan had witnessed recently the devastating impact of climate change. "From the floods that swept through communities in Pakistan to the heavy floods that struck Romanian regions, we have seen how lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems can be disrupted in an instant," he said. These experiences remind us that climate change is not an abstract phenomenon -- it is here, it is real, and it affects us all.
"EURMUS programme is the best example of working together of European countries and NUTECH stands out as the forward-looking institution producing innovators and technologists well-placed to address climate and environmental challenges. The EURAMUS ACTIVE Project highlights NUTECH's commitment to international collaboration and applied research", he said.