Imagine 2050, not long from now, the nearly 10 billion humans are facing climate like they’ve never, majority forced to migrate in search for food, jobs, and a bearable weather. Imagine more than half of the world-population living in water-stressed areas. Imagine a war or a deadly disease then, what havoc would they wreak. Imagine having to wear a mask every time going outside. Imagine the irreversible damage which would have been done to our planet’s biodiversity. Imagine having to consume microplastics every day without being able to do anything about it. Imagine having no water and energy to sustain basic activities of life.But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. We are in control of our species’ future. We are the captains of the ship of civilization. We, the youth, in every part of the world, have to unionize, to strive, to work for a sustainable and healthy future.

“It’s unrealistic to think that the future of humanity can be achieved only on the basis of prayer, what we need is to take action.” – Dalai Lama

In line with Dalai Lama’s vision, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals in 2000 which define the 17 key areas which require our collective efforts in for a better future. Taking the action one step further, UNAI’s Millennium Fellowship shines the spotlight on young leaders who are making lasting impact in their communities and enables them to become leaders of the future.

This year, Pakistan and NUST have been honored for the first time to be a part of this wonderful movement. The 16 selected fellows are among the 1,092 fellows selected worldwide who are making an exemplary contribution in uplifting their communities. Important to mention is that NUST is among the 6% campuses who are honored to host this fellowship.

The fellows at NUST are working on a diverse set of projects, contributing to 10 SDGs in varying degrees. Shedding light at some of the key projects of the NUST cohort, one project aims at bringing quality education to the underprivileged children of a local settlement of migrated Afghans. Another innovative project is based on researching on recycling solid-plastic waste into bitumen to develop infrastructure in low-income areas. Focused on reducing inequalities and economic growth, another project aims at giving training and employment opportunities to the settlement mentioned above. Another project will focus on reducing gender inequality by equipping the females of a local community to earn their own livelihood and be economically independent.

Exuding humility, inclusion and empathy, this debutant cohort of NUST is extremely passionate for the work they are doing and will prove to be a guiding light for the future fellows.

Following are the individuals from NUST who’re making humanity proud:

• Abdul Hayee
• Abdullah Nadeem
• Annosha Durrani
• Ayesha Fatima
• Faizan Nadeem
• Haseeb Saeed
• Hassaan Khan
• Insha Rehman

• Ishaq Khattana
• Mohammed Moiz Ul Haq
• Muhammad Kumail
• Muhammad Saeed
• Shanza Afzal
• Syed Sherazi
• Talha Naveed
• Tayyaba Younas