SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Worthy Rector Prof Fazal A. Khalid, S.I. participated in Panel Discussion held during the Cambridge Principals Forum on “Building Better Futures: Developing World Ready Skills in Learners

Worthy Rector Prof. Fazal A. Khalid, S.I. participated in a Panel Discussion during the Cambridge Principals Forum on the topic “Building Better Futures: Developing World-Ready Skills in Learners.” The forum focused on equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global job market, aligning directly with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The discussion emphasized the importance of skills development, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning—all of which are essential for ensuring that learners are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the modern workforce. By focusing on world-ready skills, the forum addressed the need to align educational programs with the demands of the labor market, fostering decent work opportunities and inclusive economic growth. Prof. Khalid’s participation highlighted the role of universities in creating educational pathways that contribute to economic development, job creation, and the overall sustainable growth of societies, thus supporting SDG 8’s objectives of promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.

MoU Signed between KPCTA and GIKI to jointly work for promotion and development of tourism sector in the province

An MoU was signed between KPCTA Director Khursheed Alam Khattak and Dr. Farooq Sultan, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) at GIK Institute, during a ceremony. Under this agreement, both parties have committed to synergizing their efforts and pooling resources for the promotion and development of the tourism and hospitality sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The aim is to establish tourism as a sustainable avenue for economic growth, with a focus on ecotourism and integrating technology-based solutions into the sector.

As part of the collaboration, KPCTA will provide ideas for developing software prototypes intended for use in the tourism sector, establish exhibits and stalls at GIK Institute events, and assist in evaluating tourism-related projects. KPCTA will also support students in acquiring publicity data related to tourism, provide industrial support to GIK Institute in securing research funding for tourism projects, and acknowledge GIK’s contributions by including its logo on products, services, and publications such as books, websites, and the Pashto journal.

In return, GIK Institute will support KPCTA by involving undergraduate students in software development projects related to tourism and hospitality. The Institute will also share a list of students who have conducted tourism-related final-year projects, disseminate undergraduate project handbooks containing project ideas, and encourage student participation in events and job fairs. Additionally, GIK will nominate KPCTA representatives as technical experts for any funded research projects related to tourism.

This collaboration is a key step in enhancing the economic growth of KP through the development of the tourism sector, while promoting sustainable practices and job creation aligned with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

International Summit on Higher Education and Workforce Development in the 21st Century by USAID | Rector, Prof. Dr. Fazal A. Khalid delivered a speech on “Governance and Quality Challenges for Universities”

The International Summit on Higher Education and Workforce Development in the 21st Century, organized by USAID Pakistan, brought together leaders and decision-makers from universities, industry, and government to discuss the future of higher education. Prof. Dr. Fazal A. Khalid, SI, Rector of GIKI, delivered a speech on “Governance and Quality Challenges for Universities” during the session on “Strengthening HEIs Governance.”

The objectives of the summit included bringing together key stakeholders to invigorate the higher education agenda, addressing challenges faced by public sector universities with a futuristic approach, and fostering a community of practice among higher education institutions and stakeholders. The summit also aimed to launch a policy dialogue series to address pressing issues in higher education governance.

This summit aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as it focused on enhancing the governance and quality of higher education institutions (HEIs), which are key drivers of innovation and industrial development. Strengthening the governance of universities and aligning them with the evolving needs of the workforce is critical to fostering an innovative and skilled workforce capable of supporting the growth of sustainable industries. By improving the quality of higher education, the summit also contributes to the development of a more robust infrastructure for innovation, research, and economic growth in the 21st century.

11th International Science & Youth Symposium Nov 2023

KP Youth Integrity & Leadership Conference August 2023

On August 8th, the Character-Building Society (CBS) of GIKI participated in the KP Youth Integrity, Leadership, and Anti-Corruption Conference 2023 in Peshawar. Organized by Transparency International, the event brought together change-makers and featured speakers from organizations such as NAB, FIA, UNODC, and various NGOs. A dedicated team of five CBS members from GIKI attended, engaging in enlightening discussions on topics such as corruption, leadership, innovation, and gender equality. The conference included interactive Q&A sessions that allowed participants to engage in meaningful dialogues, enriching their understanding of these critical issues.

This experience empowered the CBS members, inspiring them to bring the values of integrity, leadership, and accountability to the GIKI campus and beyond. By actively participating in conversations about governance and social responsibility, the CBS members are now better equipped to contribute to economic growth and social development, which are core components of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The event highlighted how youth leadership and integrity can drive positive change and foster inclusive growth, setting the foundation for a future where ethical practices and innovation contribute to sustainable economic development.

Youth Club Motivational Speaker Session by Project Topi Nov 2023

On 30th November 2023, Project Topi, under the Department of Student Affairs, organized a motivational speaker session at the GIK Institute. The session featured Mugheerah Luqman from Youth Club, who was invited as the guest speaker. Luqman’s talk focused on the upliftment of human life and the importance of humanity, emphasizing the significance of staying on the right path in life. His insights and motivational message provided the attendees with valuable guidance for personal and professional growth.

This event directly supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as it highlighted the importance of personal development, integrity, and skills building in shaping future leaders who can contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By motivating students to align their goals with values like responsibility and ethical conduct, the session encouraged them to pursue careers that not only foster their own growth but also positively impact society and the broader economy. This initiative underscores the importance of youth empowerment, which is essential for driving sustainable employment and economic development in the future.

Ban on using plastic bags on campus

GIK Institute promotes environmentally friendly practices by implementing a ban on the use of plastic bags at all grocery stores on campus due to their negative impact on the environment. This initiative encourages students, faculty, and staff to adopt more sustainable alternatives, with most residents bringing their eco-friendly tote bags for grocery shopping at the Tuc area on campus.

This initiative is aligned with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, particularly under the parameter of improving resource efficiency in consumption and production. By reducing plastic waste and promoting reusable alternatives, the university is fostering a culture of sustainable consumption. This helps to conserve resources, reduce environmental harm, and promote more sustainable production practices on campus, while also encouraging students to adopt these behaviors in their daily lives. Such initiatives support the broader goals of sustainable economic growth by demonstrating that environmental responsibility can be integrated into everyday activities, contributing to a greener economy.