SWAT: A five-day training program on environmental justice, peacebuilding, and women empowerment concluded in Swat under a joint initiative of Hashoo Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed at strengthening community-led responses to environmental and climate-related challenges.

The programme, held under the project “Empowering Women for Peace and Environmental Justice in Swat,” brought together environmental human rights defenders, community leaders, activists, and mediators from across the region. Participants were trained in designing social action projects, conflict resolution, mediation skills, and engagement with environmental governance systems.

Throughout the training, attendees took part in sessions focused on environmental justice, conflict analysis, advocacy, and grievance redress mechanisms. They also developed community-based action plans aimed at addressing local environmental issues through peaceful and sustainable approaches.

Government officials from relevant departments also participated in selected sessions, providing guidance on institutional complaint systems and opportunities for coordination between communities and public bodies.

At the closing ceremony, University of Swat Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Qasim, who attended as chief guest, said Swat’s economy and communities are closely linked to its natural environment and stressed the need for stronger awareness and collective action to address climate challenges.

Hashoo Foundation CEO Sumaira Hashwani, also speaking at the ceremony, highlighted the importance of empowering local communities, particularly women, in promoting environmental justice and sustainable peace. She said lasting solutions require active community engagement alongside policy and infrastructure efforts.

Certificates were distributed among participants upon completion of the training, which organizers said aims to build a network of trained community mediators and environmental defenders across Swat to support awareness, dialogue, and local environmental initiatives.

Also Read :Modern sports complex to be built on 280 kanals in Abbottabad, says Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani