The Continuing Engineering Education & Training Center (CEET), UET Lahore, in collaboration with Transparency International (TI) Pakistan, hosted the Monthly Session of Youth Climate Education & Fellowship titled “Empowering Youth: Social Accountability and the Right to Information.” The session aligned with International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) 2025, observed globally under the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

 

Supported through financial assistance from the Waverley Street Foundation under Transparency International’s Climate Governance Integrity Program, the session provided a platform to strengthen youth understanding of governance, transparency, and information rights—core pillars of climate integrity.

 

The keynote speaker, Mr. Mehboob Qadir Shah, Retired Chief Information Commissioner Punjab, currently affiliated with the Pakistan Red Crescent and a former Registrar of the Lahore High Court, delivered deep insights on:

1. Social Accountability and the Importance of Citizen Engagement in Governance

2. Right to Information (RTI) — including an overview of the Punjab Transparency & Right to Information Act 2013, and the responsibilities of the Information Commission

Mr. Shah underscored that empowered citizens, supported by transparent institutions, play a critical role in combating corruption and promoting climate-resilient governance.

 

Dr.-Ing. Izzat Iqbal Cheema, Director - Continuing Engineering Education & Training Center (CEET) and Fellowship Focal Person at UET Lahore, introduced the keynote speaker and emphasized the importance of linking climate fellowship learning with governance integrity. Dr.-Ing. Cheema delivered the concluding remarks and presented a token of thanks souvenir to Mr. Shah.

 

Volunteer fellow Mr. Hamza Ishaq provided a brief overview of the Youth Climate Education & Fellowship Program, highlighting the fellows’ journey, achievements, and ongoing climate action activities in their respective communities.

 

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, followed by a group photo with the participants.