The International Islamic University Islamabad was full of the spirit of the people who gathered in the halls to participate in an interactive seminar on the theme of Islam and SDGs on the Perspective of Social Work: A Path to Harmony and Progress. The Department of Educational Leadership and Management organized the event with a special theme. The focus was on how faith-based values and global development goals can work together to create meaningful change.

A Discussion that Elicited some Thought

As a guest speaker, Muhammad Tawseef Khan, President of the Progressive Climate Foundation (PCF) opened the session with a compelling speech on the issue of Social Work and Sustainable Development promoting Environmental Justice. He outlined powerful comparisons between the Islamic ideals, including justice, compassion, service to humanity, environmental protection, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

When Islam speaks of poverty eradication, education or environmental protection, it is the same song as the SDGs said, he added.

He stressed how these associations can create an effective blue print of progress that is not just genuinely who we are, but also aligned with the priorities of the world. The room became silent, yet very engaged as he unwrapped how Islamic values can inspire solutions to problems like climate change, social inequality and environmental degradation.

The Knowledge Gap:

In Islam and SDGs Seminar, Tawseef Khan also indicated a sobering truth:

 In a country where over 60% of the population comprises of young people, only 1% are familiar with the SDGs.

This is a statistic that students were talking about. Why is it that we do not find a model that instills global action to ensure a sustainable generation among our young people who are the future of Pakistan? It is a dangerous gap in knowledge, he said. We do not know it, and, therefore, cannot do anything. And if nothing is done, our future remains on hold.

The role of PCF: Transforming Awareness to Action

It is at this point that Progressive Climate Foundation (PCF) comes in, as Tawseef outlined how PCF is striving to:

• Teach youth about SDGs in applicable and familiar forms.
• Offer leadership and skills training platforms, and climate action.
• Integrate international sustainability goals with the Islamic values so that it is attractive to both the cultural and moral image of Pakistan.

PCF is also producing a new generation of future leaders ready to act on the local at the global visions. Climate-smart agriculture initiatives and youth empowerment programs help PCF in this mission.

The Students’ Response

At IIUI, young and ambitious individuals made up most of the audience, and they paid close attention to the speaker. Some took notes, others asked questions, and some sat in thought. By the end, the audience had listened attentively to the seminar.

Students said that the talk transformed their knowledge, they came to understand that sustainability is not a Western concept. Indeed, it is embedded in their faith and culture. They also viewed themselves not only as learners, but as possible leaders of climate action and social justice. The enthusiasm was palpable. They did not merely listen to the talk of the giving they wanted to give.

An Appeal to Violence and Forward

The seminar came to an end with the strong reminder:

Islam and SDGs are not two different routes, but similar road maps to the same goal- justice, harmony, and progress. The key lies in the hands of Pakistan youth but they have to be armed with knowledge and courage.

Tawseef Khan’s words continued to resonate long after the session ended.

By integrating the ethical power of Islam with the world-goal view of the SDGs, we will be able to make this world a fairer, greener, and more humane place, I believe.

Final Reflection

The Academician event was not only the IIUI seminar on Islam and SDGs. It was a wake-up call-a call to the youth to be change agents again. PCF is resolute to seize this lapse, they wish to demonstrate to the younger generation that they matter in the struggle to make the planet environmentally sustainable. Since when faith is acted on, and values are valued, then real progress is on.