The Ground-breaking ceremony of the China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre (CPJRC) on Earth Sciences along with the inaugural ceremony of the International Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Risk was held at Quaid-i-Azam University.

China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre (CPJRC) on Earth Sciences will offer research opportunities focusing on the Himalayan, Hindu Kush, and Karakorum mountain ranges. The Centre aims to conduct research and provide solutions for the sustainable development of rural economies, societies, environments, and food security.

Addressing the ceremony, the caretaker Federal Minister for Food Security and Research Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik highlighted that the collaboration between Pakistan and China could revolutionize research in the field of Earth Sciences. He emphasized that the establishment of the research Centre would create opportunities for Pakistani students and scientists involved in earth sciences and climate change research to collaborate with their Chinese counterparts and institutions.

Prof. Khalid M. Khan, President, the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, said that the China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre (CPJRC) would help expand the frontiers of knowledge in the field of Earth Sciences by researching and would support the physical security to CPEC connectivity by developing principles, procedures and technologies to mitigate the effect of natural hazards.

Jiang Zeiddong, the Ambassador of China to Pakistan, spoke at the event and expressed that the establishment of the CPJRC on Earth Sciences represents is a continuation of China-Pakistan cooperation. He emphasized that the establishment of research Centre will play a role in further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries. The Ambassador also highlighted China’s commitment to green development.

Zhang Yaping, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, commended the efforts of governmental departments, universities, and research institutions in both Pakistan and China for their generous and sustainable support. He outlined that the purpose of the Centre is to study and evaluate the impact of geo-hazards and climate change on the security of CPEC connectivity and sustainable development of the region. Secondly, build a joint mechanism for China-Pakistan cooperation in scientific and technological fields to solve complex socio-economic problems. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman, Higher Education Commission praised the Chinese government’s initiative for strengthening the Higher Education.  Earlier, Prof. CUI Peng, Director General of CPJRC, briefed the audience regarding the activities of the CPJRC.

Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University expressed gratitude to the Government of China, and the generous support of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Science and Technology for their role in completing the project. The Vice Chancellor commended the hard work and commitment of Project Director Dr. Mumtaz Shah and his team and extended a warm welcome to the esteemed delegates attending the International Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Risk.