The Montreal Protocol (MP) – National Ozone Unit (NOU), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MOCC&EC), seeks to engage academia at both federal and provincial levels to advance research and development initiatives. The program aims to disseminate high-quality research at relevant forums while fostering synergies between academia, UNDP, and key stakeholders.

This partnership intends to highlight and promote the significant contributions of academic institutions in the fields of environment and climate change.

To strengthen collaboration, a high-level delegation visited Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) to establish a professional network and support field-based research projects on local and international levels. The delegation was led by Dr. Salem Janjua and included eminent experts such as Prof. Dr. Uzaira Rafique, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), and Mr. K.M. Zubair.

Key participants from LCWU included Prof. Dr Uzma Quraishi, Vice Chancellor, LCWU, Prof. Dr. Arifa Tahir, Chairperson of the Department of Environmental Sciences and Director of ORIC, Prof. Dr. Fiaza alongside the head of the STEM Education Department, and Dr. Fakhra Aziz. Faculty members from the Department of Environmental Sciences actively contributed to the discussion by sharing their research interests and achievements in the field of environment and climate change.

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Arifa Tahir presented an overview of her department's progress through its research initiatives and partnerships with international organizations and relevant industries. The delegation commended LCWU's efforts and achievements, particularly in ozone protection and climate change mitigation.

Prof. Dr. Uzaira Rafique and Mr. K.M. Zubair shared their expert insights on ozone protection, emphasizing the critical need for collaborative research in this area. Dr. Janjua delivered an engaging presentation that underscored the importance of aligning researchers' work with policymakers' needs to address policy and practice challenges effectively.

In closing, Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi delivered a note of thanks and expressed interest in establishing a Centre for Policy Research and Development at LCWU. The proposed centre would serve as a platform for researchers and international organizations to identify key focus areas and implement impactful interventions.