Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani meets Italian Dupassi Foundation student delegation

ISLAMABAD, AUG 21 (DNA): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani meets Italian Dupassi Foundation student delegation — in-depth discussion on climate change, health, education, and global parliamentary cooperation

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has said that the impacts of climate change are being felt across the globe, and collective efforts as well as international cooperation are essential to overcome these challenges. He emphasized that climate change is not only affecting economies but also directly impacting human lives, making global solidarity and practical action the need of the hour.

He was speaking on Thursday at the Parliament House during a meeting with an eight-member student delegation from Italy’s Dupassi Foundation.

Gillani highlighted that Pakistan’s greatest asset is its youth, who make up nearly 60% of the population. He stressed that young people and institutions must play a leadership role in addressing contemporary challenges. He also underlined the key role of overseas Pakistanis in stabilizing the national economy and termed the use of modern technology crucial in devising solutions aligned with current global demands.

Recalling his official visit to Italy as Prime Minister, Gillani said that the Italian Prime Minister had briefed him about measures taken to preserve Italy’s cultural heritage, while he had apprised his counterpart about the historic and cultural significance of Multan.

Chairman Senate reiterated that empowering women and minorities has always been among his top priorities. He paid rich tribute to Pakistan’s first woman Prime Minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, for her historic legislation and initiatives for women’s rights. He also appreciated the roles of former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and former National Assembly Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza.

Gillani further stated that Pakistan has immense opportunities for investment, particularly in health and education—sectors he holds close personal interest in, as his forefathers also rendered valuable services in these fields. He said steps had been taken in the past to improve healthcare facilities and raise literacy rates, and these efforts continue to this day.

Briefing the delegation, the CEO of Dupassi Foundation said that the organization is working in key areas such as health, education, pharmaceuticals, and climate change, and has established partnerships with 17 international universities. She noted that consultations with a U.S.-based company are underway to combat climate change. The Foundation has also initiated projects to eliminate dengue breeding, with the goal of eradicating dengue entirely within the next 15 years.

She underscored the importance of international funding to tackle global challenges and urged developed nations to play their due role. She also informed that a global caucus focusing on health, education, and climate change has been established.

Chairman Senate assured that Pakistan’s Senate standing committees on health, education, finance, trade, and other sectors are actively engaged not only in legislation but also in practical initiatives. He said Dupassi Foundation could closely collaborate with these committees, and the Senate would extend full cooperation.

Advisor to Chairman Senate, Ms. Misbah Khar, briefed the delegation on the objectives of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC). She explained that it is a new and dynamic global forum comprising parliamentary speakers from 45 countries. Recently, during elections held in Malaysia, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani was unanimously elected as the first President of the ISC—a recognition of Pakistan’s leading role in global parliamentary diplomacy.

She added that the next ISC meeting will be held in Islamabad this November, where parliamentary leaders from around the world will deliberate on key global issues such as peace, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development. Strategies and roadmaps will also be finalized for addressing climate change, regional peace, and prosperity.

The Senate’s Senior Director General (Protocol) Tariq bin Waheed was also present on the occasion.