Usman Institute of Technology (UIT) affiliated with NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, recently announced that UIT student SDGs#16 project to be showcased at United Nations forum in New York.
Team Lead, Student Affairs Usman Institute of Technology, Karachi and Co-founder at ‘Chai Ki Dukaan’, Ramsha Baluch’s joint project on Sustainable Development Goals #16 has been selected to be presented at the United Nations in New York.
The SDGs are part of the United Nation’s (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by the General Assembly in September 2015. It emphasizes a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all.
‘Chai ki Dukaan’, a social media initiative by two friends from India and Pakistan, offers a platform for young people from both countries to share their tales of friendship.
Chai Ki Dukaan draws inspiration from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals #16 for the promotion of peaceful societies. It serves as a democratic space for young Indians and Pakistanis to communicate with each other while highlighting the human perspective of people who have traditionally been labelled as “enemies”.
The platform was launched by two friends, Ramsha Baluch and Rudrani Dasgupta from Karachi and Kolkata respectively. Chai Ki Dukaan is a safe space where anyone can share anecdotes, art or any form of human expression promoting a friendly relationship between neighbors.
Initially Chai ki Dukaan was created as a reaction to the Pulwama incident in February 2019, which was a sobering reminder of the deep-rooted, historic hostility between India and Pakistan. Ramsha and Rudrani both wanted to counter the antagonistic cheering for war and take a break from the daggers-drawn animosity that prevails around them.
Further to this the duo made a video where both the co-founders spoke about the motivation, impact, and goals for Chai Ki Dukaan. Subsequently, their video was selected as a finalist for the Voices of SDGs16: Stories for Global Action campaign. It will be showcased at a parallel event during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on July 11th, 2019.
The UN High-Level Political Forum is the platform for countries to review progress on implementation of the SDGs, and provide an opportunity for countries to share experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned with a view to accelerating implementation of the SDGs#16.
UIT stated that – “We need to enlighten every Pakistani at home and abroad to understand why these SDGs are important and that they should do whatever they can to help that process along, building our capacity to ensure that efforts like Chai Ki Dukaan work. Our country has everything including the tool, assets and every component that is required to move our nation to exactly where we deserve it to be. We need to make sure that we do not stop the discussion at simply having a great plan but also great implementation.”