Every Drop Counts’: Students Take Action on World Water Day

Karachi: Water is essential for life, yet every drop is at risk. This World Water Day, Aga Khan University (AKU) is highlighting the critical need for water conservation through its annual climate initiative, the President’s Challenge for Climate Solutions. Under the theme ‘Every Drop Counts’, 16 student teams from four AKU campuses will present their innovative solutions to a panel of experts, showcasing how creativity can drive impactful change.

This initiative aligns with World Water Day and Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All, reinforcing the idea that responsible water management is crucial for a sustainable and just future. As the world grapples with increasing challenges—ranging from severe droughts and pollution to extreme flooding—the need for fresh and bold solutions has never been greater.Pakistan, World Bank commit for continued engagement

Bringing together bright young minds, the competition encourages students to develop groundbreaking strategies to reduce water waste, safeguard freshwater resources, and promote sustainable water use. Over the past seven months, more than 465 student participants have worked on diverse projects, from smart water-saving technologies to community-driven conservation efforts, demonstrating the power of both individual action and collective responsibility in addressing the global water crisis.

“We must recognize our rivers, lakes, glaciers, and underground water sources as invaluable resources—essential to life, health, and economic stability. Our future depends on how we protect them,” said Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU. “Climate change and water scarcity are deeply interconnected challenges, and our students are not just proposing creative solutions but also showcasing how education and research can help combat one of the most urgent crises of our time. At AKU, we believe knowledge is the catalyst for change, and today’s ideas could shape a more sustainable future.”

AKU’s commitment to environmental sustainability goes beyond education. Alongside promoting climate literacy, its campuses implement innovative water and energy conservation practices. Since the 1980s, AKU’s Stadium Road campus has utilized natural water bodies for passive cooling, reducing energy consumption. Water-efficient nozzles have been installed on already optimized sensor taps to further minimize usage. Meanwhile, the university’s 3.8 MW solar power system helps reduce dependence on water-intensive energy generation. Additionally, AKU’s shift from single-use to reusable materials has significantly cut down water consumption across the supply chain.

With bold action and innovative thinking, AKU continues to lead the way in climate resilience and water conservation, proving that sustainable change is not just possible—it is essential.