‘Water and Jobs – Empowering Young Professional’ was the theme for the 2016 World Water Day celebration program, highlighted the relationship between water and the employability agenda in the quest for mountain development and sustainable livelihoods. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) celebrated the day in collaboration with theMinistry of National Food Security & Research (MNFS&R), Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Government of Gilgit Baltistan,Karakoram International University (KIU), Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), WWF-Pakistan, Gilgit Serena hotel and local communities at KIU, Gilgit on 22 March 2016.

More than 200 participants from government, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, students and local communities attended the event. Key speakers and guests of honour were: Muhammad Iqbal, Minister for Public Works Department; Haji Abdul Wakeel, Minister for Forest, Wildlife and Environment Department, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan; Muhammad Hashim Popalzai, Additional Secretary, MNFS&R, Islamabad; and Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman, PCRWR.

Abdul Wahid Jasra, Country Representative, ICIMOD-Pakistan shared the message of   director general of ICIMOD and extended his gratitude to all the participants who made the event successful with their support. During the panel discussion and interactive session, experts highlighted the importance of water for agriculture, livelihood and economic growth in the context of mountain areas.

Students from the media and communication department at KIU presented a skit highlighting importance of water for life. The program ended with souvenir distribution for the students and the partner organisations.

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