Fasting, as defined by the Oxford Learner's Dictionary, entails consuming minimal or no food for a specified duration, commonly observed for religious or health motives. While deeply rooted in human tradition, fasting holds spiritual and physiological allure, offering benefits to both the soul and the body. Beyond its simplistic definition, fasting encompasses a spectrum of motivations, including religious observances, detoxification, weight management, and therapeutic purposes, with trends like intermittent fasting amplifying its global appeal.

In the spirit of the sacred month of Ramadan, NCL and NDBS collaborated on an inaugural outreach initiative aimed at capacity building for faculty, staff, and students. This collaboration culminated in a meticulously organized training event titled 'Fueling the Fast: Holistic Insight of Cellular Renewal During Ramadan,' held on March 27, 2024. Esteemed facilitators Dr. Madiha Iftikhar, Dr. Ijaz ul Haq, and Dr. Abdul Momin led the session from 0930 to 1230 hrs at the NUMS PWD Campus Basement Hall. Attended by over 60 individuals from NUMS and other universities, the workshop marked a promising start to NCL's outreach program.

The session emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to fasting, discouraging indulgent feasting while highlighting safe fasting practices. Dr. Madiha Iftikhar (Head of the Department of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, IIUI) drew the attention of the audience to different types of popular dietary approaches for fasting, such as Intermittent Fasting (IF), Extended Fasting, Time-Restricted Eating (TRE), Alternate Day Fasting (ADF), and Partial Fasting; Dr. Ijaz ul Haq (Asst Prof, Department of Public Health and Nutrition, UOH) explained the many advantages of balanced nutrition during Ramadan and how it nourishes both the body and soul of the individual. Last but certainly not least, Dr. Abdul Momin (Asst. Prof. (NDND) / Consultant Clinical Dietitian) not only shared a practical guide for a healthy lifestyle but also advised to refrain from crash diets promoted by celebrities these days.

Ensuring inclusivity and equity, UDO (NUMS) collaborated with organizers to uphold diversity principles throughout the event. The session concluded with a Shield and Certificate Distribution Ceremony presided over by Air Cdre Muhammad Ismail, SI (M), (Retd), Consultant QA / Head of NCL&RD Dte (NUMS). 

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 10, and 17, this workshop addressed key societal challenges such as poverty alleviation, food security, health promotion, inequality reduction, and collaborative partnerships.

In summary, the collaborative efforts of NCL and NDBS manifested in a successful training event that not only shed light on fasting practices during Ramadan but also promoted holistic well-being and sustainable development goals.

Out of the box thinking to break the status quo is usually a two edged sword; it could either result into blazing success or a devastating fall from grace. In most institutions, the department that goes an extra mile in calling this dubious shot is Quality Assurance. It runs the risk of breaking a few eggs to make an omellette, and act as the driving force behind introducing crucial improvements in the way things are carried out in any setup; be it a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or a manufacturing organization.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) hold immense global significance which cannot be overlooked in today’s world. They present a singular approach towards a just and thriving universal community by concentrating on social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings are the first and only global performance tables that assess universities against the UN SDGs. With tables for each of the 17 SDGs, the rankings provide an opportunity to highlight the great work universities are doing for society at all levels.

In light of the foregoing, NCL arranged a training session on 26^th September 2023, facilitated by Air Cdre Muhammad Ismail (Consultant / Expert, Quality Assurance) & Ms. Sumiya Nauman (Focal Person for Impact Ranking (THE) / Manager, Quality Assurance). The session was ardently attended by focal persons (and alternate focal persons) of “NUMS Committee for Filling Data Collection Sheet” at the NUMS PWD Campus.

The learned facilitators brought to light the sheer importance of working for SDGs in Pakistan. Being the initial signatory of UN SDGs, Pakistan is obliged to report annually on its progress to the United Nations in order to meet the UN Agenda 2030. In addition, Higher Education Commission (HEC) urges HEIs to participate in Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE) and report the contribution of institution towards sustainability to Ministry of Planning & Special Initiatives.

Ms. Sumiya proficiently shared the holistic picture of all the initiatives and activities concerning THE Impact Rankings carried out at NUMS last year. Also, she underlined the timeline for data submission, score calculation, type/form of evidences, and data validation for a diverse group of relevant audience attending the training session.  The requirements to properly fill data collection sheet for 2023 Impact Ranking were explained to achieve great results for NUMS yet again. The entire session was infused with pleasant two-way communication which aided in clarifying the confusion revolving about the type of information requirements.

Consultant QA/Head of NCL&RD Directorate concluded the session with a message that the steady struggle for quality education is not a pursuit for validation but a quest for excellence.

This training session by NCL, under the expert facilitation of QA Dte, was undertaken in reference to all 17 UN SDGs.