UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Urban Regions

NED University of Engineering & Technology

Chairholders Message

It is my great honor and privilege to welcome you to the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Urban Regions at NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi. Established in April 2022 under the prestigious UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme of UNESCO, this Chair represents a significant milestone in advancing knowledge, research, and practice in sustainable urban development within Pakistan and beyond.

The formal agreement for the establishment of the Chair was signed on 16 June 2022 at UNESCO Headquarters by Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, then Vice Chancellor of NED University, marking the beginning of a collaborative platform that integrates academia, industry, government, and communities to address pressing urban challenges.

Urban regions today face unprecedented pressures arising from rapid population growth, climate change, environmental degradation, and infrastructure constraints. In this context, the UNESCO Chair is committed to fostering innovative, interdisciplinary, and inclusive approaches to urban planning, resilience, and environmental sustainability. Our work aligns closely with the global agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 11—to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable—while recognizing the interlinkages with other SDGs.

The Chair serves as a hub for capacity building, research excellence, and stakeholder engagement. Through academic programs, professional trainings, collaborative research, and community outreach initiatives, we aim to equip future leaders, practitioners, and policymakers with the knowledge and skills required to transform urban regions into sustainable and livable environments.

We actively promote cross-sectoral dialogue through conferences, workshops, and seminars, bringing together experts, institutions, and communities to co-create solutions tailored to local and regional contexts. Our focus extends beyond theoretical discourse to practical implementation, ensuring that research outcomes translate into tangible impacts on urban systems and communities.

The UNESCO Chair also emphasizes leadership and management development, recognizing that sustainable urban transformation requires not only technical expertise but also visionary governance and collaborative action.

We are proud to serve a diverse group of beneficiaries, including students, researchers, academia, industry professionals, government agencies, civil society, and local communities. By building strong partnerships and fostering knowledge exchange, we strive to contribute meaningfully to sustainable urban futures.

I warmly invite you to engage with the activities of the Chair, collaborate with us, and become part of this collective journey toward creating resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban regions.

Prof. Dr. Noman Ahmed

Chairholder / Network Coordinator

UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Urban Regions

NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi