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ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): The National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, hosted the 2nd Three-Day International Conference titled “Building Sustainable Cities: Balancing Profit, People and the Planet”, organized by the Faculty of Management Sciences.
The conference brought together policymakers, representatives of the real estate industry, faculty members, and a large number of students, creating an engaging forum to discuss challenges and opportunities in sustainable urban development.
This year’s conference marked significant milestones, including the participation of 50 representatives from regulatory bodies, industry leaders, and developers across 10 industrial sessions, as well as 65 academicians from 25 universities presenting 45 research papers. Additionally, NUML launched five major policy working papers developed collaboratively by A&F faculty, regulators, industry experts, academics, and developers. A major highlight was the completion of Climate Action training for the first batch of 60 students from NUML’s six campuses, main campus, and ten knowledge partners, an initiative funded by UN-Habitat, said a press release on Wednesday.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Kareem Kundi, attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, he appreciated NUML for arranging a conference of such high relevance and timely importance.
He noted that the state has a pivotal role in development and that universities play a key part in guiding and channelizing national policies. He emphasized the need for more such academic and industry-focused engagements that contribute to infrastructure improvement and national progress.
Rector NUML, Shahid Mahmood Kayani, delivered the welcome address. Speaking on the broader theme of sustainable cities, he said that the most critical challenge facing Pakistan today is not economic or administrative, but ideological and intellectual.
He stated that the country must decide how to build cities, communities, and an economy that do not separate profit from human dignity, do not turn development into a source of class division, and do not sacrifice the environment in the name of progress.
He stressed the importance of viewing urban development not merely as economic transactions, but as responsibilities rooted in human empathy, social justice, and environmental care.
The inaugural session featured keynote addresses from prominent industry leaders. Muhammad Ejaz, CEO Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited, spoke on “The Role of REITs in Building Sustainable and Inclusive Cities.” CFO Askari Bank delivered an address on “The Role of Banks in Expanding Affordable Housing.” Ch. Ahmad Naeem Qamar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Garden Residence, shared insights on “The Role of Private Developers in Shaping Sustainable and Livable Cities.” Their contributions highlighted the collaborative importance of financial institutions, real estate developers, and policymakers in strengthening Pakistan’s urban future.
The International conference is also featuring parallel sessions on diverse topics ; people-centered streets, restoring trust through secure property rights, Re-claiming the vertical city, Islamic Finance as an alternative source of responsible development, Building equity through tax reforms, Urban inequality and Housing affordability, Bridging the valuation Dichotomy, Integration Informal settlements for inclusive informal growth, and Urban Climate and Flood Resilience.
Earlier in the day, Rector NUML inaugurated the NUML Equity Lounge, an initiative powered by ZLK Islamic Financial Services, aimed at enhancing financial literacy and promoting informed investment practices among students.