Bio

The Green Urban Development and Sustainability (GUDS) Initiative by US Embassy, SoLF and Institute of Urbanism was a transformative two-year program that fostered equitable community-campus engagement by bringing together young people, universities, and communities to co-create sustainable urban solutions in Pakistan. The initiative addressed pressing urban challenges such as water management, waste reduction, and eco-friendly infrastructure, equipping students and local stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to drive impactful change.
Through strategic partnerships with Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), COMSATS, and DePaul University (Chicago), GUDS facilitated capacity-building programs, cross-learning exchanges, and mentorship opportunities, empowering youth to become proactive leaders in green urban development.
A key highlight of GUDS was the Cross-Learning Exchange Program, which took a 16-member Pakistani delegation to Chicago, USA, providing them with firsthand exposure to large-scale sustainability projects. Participants engaged with city planners, sustainability experts, and policymakers, learning how community-driven urban projects were successfully implemented and scaled in global contexts.

Objectives

  • Provided students with hands-on training in eco-friendly urban planning, waste management, and water conservation.
  • Supported youth-driven environmental startups through funding, mentorship, and collaboration with urban planners.
  • Encouraging global learning and adaptation.
  • Fostered partnerships between universities, local governments, and private sector stakeholders to implement scalable urban sustainability projects.

Key Outcomes

  • Conducted hands-on workshops with Quaid-e-Azam University, COMSATS, and DePaul University, training students and community leaders in sustainable urban practices.
  • A 16-member Pakistani delegation visited large-scale green infrastructure projects and interacted with policymakers to understand best practices in sustainable urban planning.
  • Participants engaged with U.S. urban planners and sustainability experts, gaining practical insights into replicable models for Pakistan.
  • Inspired by global best practices, Pakistani delegates refined their eco-friendly urban solutions, such as solar-powered water systems, urban farming, and sustainable housing models.
  • Five initiatives received grants to develop their ideas into scalable projects, with ongoing mentorship and support.
  • Participants initiated dialogues with local authorities, advocating for policy support for green urban solutions.

NAME OF CLIENT
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

DURATION
6 Months

GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD
Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Muzaffarabad,