By: Our Correspondent
MALAKAND: Commissioner Malakand Division Masood Ahmed has said that environmental protection is a collective responsibility, as the country’s cities, villages, and natural resources belong to everyone. He emphasized that all segments of society must play their part in safeguarding the environment.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of a five-day training programme on “Empowering Women for Peace and Environmental Justice”, organized in Swat by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Hashoo Foundation, the commissioner said local communities, particularly women, have a critical role in promoting environmental justice and sustainable peace. He added that the provincial government is taking effective measures to support such initiatives.
Masood Ahmed said strengthening local leadership was essential to advancing environmental protection, preventing conflicts, and building resilient communities at the grassroots level.
The ceremony was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief and Human Rights) Swat Naimatullah, UNDP Project Analyst Sadia Bangash, officials from the Education Department, and women environmental and human rights defenders from various village councils across Swat.
A question-and-answer session was also held during the event, during which participants raised issues, shared suggestions, and sought guidance from the commissioner. He listened to their concerns and responded to their queries in detail.
Congratulating the participants on successfully completing the training, Masood Ahmed described the initiative as a significant step toward establishing a network of trained environmental and human rights defenders and community mediators capable of promoting environmental protection, preventing conflicts, and fostering sustainable peace in their respective communities.
Certificates were distributed among the participants at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The training programme was designed to enhance participants’ knowledge, awareness, and practical skills, enabling them to play an active role in promoting environmental justice, peacebuilding, community planning, and the effective implementation of local initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, UNDP Project Analyst Sadia Bangash thanked the Commissioner of Malakand Division and other distinguished guests for attending the workshop. The participants also expressed gratitude to UNDP and the Hashoo Foundation, saying the training had enhanced their knowledge and provided an opportunity to further develop their skills.
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