World Youth Parliament of Water President Bart Devos addressed students at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) on Wednesday and urged them to go beyond political, geographical and cultural boundaries to save water for future generations.

He was speaking at a seminar organised by the IIUI Environmental Sciences Department titled ‘Water challenge and the role of youth’ in connection with World Water Day.

The guest speaker also raised some issues regarding availability of water, its quality and purification. Professor Dr Mohammad Irfan Khan, environmental sciences department chairman, also delivered a presentation on the scenario of water availability in 2070.

He said that water is not only blood for an economy, but is a point of unification for nations. “Young people must play their role in saving water, irrespective of sectarian, ethnic and political affiliations. Pakistan has one of the world’s largest youth populations, this young and dynamic population embodies the future of the country,” he said.

He said young people are the custodians of our water resources.

Dr Irfan also stressed that students must use water efficiently and must fulfill their responsibilities.

Raza Ali Gandapur of Pakistan Water Partnership said young people should pressure authorities to make a national water policy, the draft for which has been pending for approval since 2012.

After the seminar, an awareness walk was held on the campus, with the slogan “Save Water Save Life”.

— Text by Kashif Abbasi

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2015

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