Planning Commission will host Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) seminar on "Sustainable Urban Development and Transport" here on Saturday (today). The CCI is a project of the Clinton Foundation that is dedicated to make a difference in the fight against climate change in practical, measurable, and significant ways.
Its aim is to initiate programs that directly result in substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. CCI is working with members of the C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group to develop and implement a range of actions that will significantly reduce greenhouse gases' emissions from mega cities around the world.
In Pakistan, the city of Karachi has been included in this initiative. CCI plans to focus on three major areas related to climate change namely, Waste disposal, Transport, and Insulation of buildings.
With the fast growing population, and increasing pace of urbanisation, Pakistani cities are facing mounting problems related to public transport and pollution. Confronted with similar challenges, many cities around the world are rethinking 'traditional' approach to urban development and emphasising alternative priorities. Recognising these challenges, the Planning Commission and Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), are going to organise a seminar on "Sustainable Urban Development and Transport".
The objective of the seminar is to provide key stakeholders an opportunity to hear about a different and more inclusive and efficient urban vision, which would improve the quality of life and make our cities environmental friendly. Planning Commission has recently set up a "Task Force on Climate Change" led by Dr Ishfaq Ahmad former Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission which shows Government's concern about this global threat.
Enrique Penalosa, a world-renowned urban strategist and former Mayor of Bogota, Columbia will be the Guest Speaker. During his tenure as Mayor, the city underwent tremendous changes and led to the development of the famous Trans Millennium Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, M. Salman Faruqui will chair the seminar.