Workshop on “Emerging Challenges of Water Shortages and Climate Change in Pakistan and Karachi ” at Overseas Investor Chamber of Commerce Industry (OICCI)

3^rd December 2008

A workshop was held at the Overseas Investor’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday, 03^rd December 2008 to familiarize CSR employees with the emerging challenges of water shortages, environmental degradation and climate change in Pakistan and Karachi , and how they can participate in, promote and take relevant action with regards to water conservation through CSR actions. As a result of the workshop CSR departments were expected to turn their attention to water and environment issues and support the work of KWP.

The workshop was begun by the chair of Hisaar Foundation Ms Simi Kamal as she gave a brief overview of what was to be accomplished and how. Following this, she gave background information on the various organizations involved such as Hisaar, KWP and GWP. She then spoke more specifically about the issue at hand, describing the water problems in Karachi as well as describing the various works and projects presently in place. Mr. Zohair Ashir from KWP then continued with a description of CSR, tracing its history of and expressing its growing importance.

The participants then formed 3 groups in which they were to create a CSR project dealing with water security. The groups then presented their results to the facilitators as well as co-participants and were asked questions about and given feedback on their work.

A total of 16 participants were oriented to emerging water-related challenges and how Karachi is affected by environmental degradation. These participants were made to devise policy recommendations and implementation plans directed towards CSR led water interventions. At the end of the dialogue participants were invited to become partners of the Karachi Water Partnership (KWP), so they could have a permanent stake in the way water is managed in their city.

The workshop was concluded by a few words from Mr. Ashir regarding the importance of CSR in making any real change towards more secure water and Ms Unjela Siddiqui, Secretary General, OICCI, made closing remarks.