On August 22, 2024, Pakistan’s universities made a significant move toward sustainability by holding the 2nd National Workshop on UI GreenMetric Ranking. Themed "Empowering Green Leaders: UI GreenMetric Workshop for Sustainable Pathways in Pakistani Universities," this event was hosted by Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology (UEIT). The workshop provided a platform for knowledge exchange between sustainability representatives from universities across Pakistan and the UI GreenMetric expert team from Indonesia.

The event officially began with a welcome note from Prof. Dr. Shahzad Murtaza of Khwaja Fareed UEIT, Vice Chancellor of Khwaja Fareed UEIT. He emphasized that the purpose of this event, is a crucial step toward a sustainable future, aiming to empower green leaders in Pakistan with strategic solutions to address global challenges. He highlighted that universities play a key role as learning venues and catalysts for change.

The event continued with a plenary session led by Dr. Junaidi S.S., M.A. Joining virtually from Indonesia, He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Khwaja Fareed UEIT's efforts to advance sustainability through the commencement of this workshop. UI GreenMetric, as the First World University Ranking Focused on sustainability, values Pakistan's active participation in fostering a university climate that supports the implementation of GreenMetric. This involvement ensures that universities can take a leadership role in sustainability. With annual workshops and initiatives from Khwaja Fareed University, the hope is to expand this movement and encourage more universities to become green leaders within the UI GreenMetric framework and beyond.

Following the plenary session, Dr. Ruki Harwahyu M.T, M.Sc, Expert Member of Data, System, and IT, took the stage to provide a deeper background on UI GreenMetric. He emphasized the organization's genuine commitment to promoting universities as key leaders in sustainability and its role in pioneering the world university ranking on sustainability. Dr. Ruki Harwahyu also shared the journey of UI GreenMetric, highlighting its continuous improvement methods, growing number of participants, and innovative approaches.

The event continued with Dr. Muhammad Bilal Tahir, who shared the success stories and sustainability efforts of Khwaja Fareed UEIT. Dr. Tahir highlighted several key points, including the benefits of implementing sustainable practices in universities and the success of Khwaja Fareed UEIT in meeting the UI GreenMetric criteria for sustainability. He also encouraged other universities to follow similar steps and collaborate to become green leaders in Pakistan. The session proceeded with Dr. Umar Farooq, who discussed best practices at Khwaja Fareed UEIT in line with the UI GreenMetric criteria.

Before moving to the Q&A session, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sagir delivered acknowledgment remarks. He expressed appreciation for the committee and UI GreenMetric for organizing a successful workshop. He emphasized that achieving a greener future cannot be accomplished in isolation; a collaborative environment where best practices are shared, and knowledge is exchanged between universities and key leaders is essential for progress.

Concluding the event, the Q&A session demonstrated the unwavering commitment of sustainability representatives across Pakistan, shown by the large number of questions directed at the speakers. The discussion covered a wide range of issues, from technical aspects of questionnaire completion to how the scope of work can address another pressing global challenge. It also provided valuable input for improving the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking.

This event highlighted a collective commitment that transcends national borders, aiming to address global challenges and position universities as catalysts for systemic change toward sustainability. The dialogue on sustainability will continue to grow and advance with UI GreenMetric.