NUMS is a member of United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) since January 2020.  Every year, UNAI invites applications for the Millennium Fellowship Program from students from all universities of the world to join an extraordinary community of young leaders for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their respective communities. The UNAI's Millennium Fellowship is a semester-long (August-November,2023) on-campus leadership development program to take the social impact to the next level through access to world class training, connections, and recognition. Selected fellows cultivate core values (empathy, humility, inclusion) hone skills, build connections and will take concrete actions to advance the SDGs. Upon successful completion, they will earn a certificate of recognition from UNAI.

In Jan 2023, NUMS Quality Assurance Dte (Focal Dte for UNAI) shared the Fellowship invitation with all NUMS academic departments and Constituent Institutions to encourage their students to apply for the said program for creating an impact level from this international forum.

In the Millennium Fellowship class of 2023, a total of 4000+ Millennium fellows have been selected from around the globe from 260+ campuses (out of 3000+ campuses) from 38 countries. From Pakistan, 250 students from 14 universities have been selected for the Fellowship. It is a great privilege for NUMS that 13 of its students have been selected for the Millennium Fellowship Program - Class of 2023; 11 students have been selected as Millennium Fellows and 02 as Campus Directors to lead the group.  Students are fully supported by their HoDs who are encouraging them to participate and learn from this program with full enthusiasm. QA Dte as a focal directorate is also making efforts for awareness, guidance and motivation of students regarding UN SDGs.

The 2nd meeting of the Sustainable Diet Committee (SDC) was held on June 7, 2023. The meeting was chaired by Assistant Professor NUMS Department of Nutrition & Dietetics (NDND)/ Chairperson, Dr Abdul Momin. The agenda of the meeting was to discuss the way forward/framework to implement the areas of improvement identified during Cafeteria Inspection and to use the feedback received from students regarding Sustainable Diet options to be made available at NUMS cafeteria. Manager QA, Ms Sumiya Nauman shared the recommendations of 1st SDC meeting and the actions that have already been taken which included to conduct the surprise visit to cafeteria, to conduct awareness seminars for faculty and staff Development of checklist for inspection which was used for 1st inspection, to acquire student’s feedback for sustainable diet options, etc.

The chair of the committee, Dr Abdul Momin briefed the members regarding the areas of major concerns identified during cafeteria inspection. The overall visit details and findings were shared one by one and discussed with all members where all members actively participated in the discussion and suggestions were made. He also emphasized that the major concerned issues need to be addressed immediately and there shall be no compromise on quality, safety and hygienic conditions in which food is cooked, stored, handled and served.

At the end, the chair of the committee shared his recommendations that included the training/awareness sessions to be conducted for the cafeteria and kitchen staff on regular basis wherein a proposed plan is drafted. He also suggested that dedicated cleaning staff to be deployed immediately for cafeteria and kitchen. Moreover, a mechanism to be developed to limit and manage the availability of sweetened beverages. All the recommendations regarding food safety, quality etc. would be handed over to cafeteria staff in black and white. As per committee decision, regular surprise visits of cafeteria in each quarter is suggested in order to ensure the quality, hygiene and sustainability of cafeteria practices.

The 2023 International Young Scientists Forum on Ecology and Resource Sustainable Development of Silk Road held in Urumqi Xinjiang, China from July 8-10, 2023 witnessed a gathering of more than 150 young scientists, policy makers and science diplomats from across the world. Silk Road Science Forum aimed to address ecological challenges and foster regional cooperation, showcasing a shared commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by United Nations provide human beings with a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity as a critical initiative.

The opening ceremony, moderated by Wang Meng, Executive Secretary of the World Youth Scientist Summit, also led to sessions on Central Asian earth research and the exploration of future energy and mineral resources. Science and technology diplomacy serving sustainable development took place during the roundtable convened by GYA alumna Orakanoke Phanraksa, Co-chair of the ASEAN Young Scientists Network.

Dr. Wasim Sajjad, Assistant Professor Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Pakistan, who presented his research and expertise on “A treasure hunt for extremophiles to drive sustainable development goals" during session 3 of the scientific forum “Sustainable Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources in Arid Areas”. He emphasized that in every risk there is an opportunity. Over the last few decades, the extremophiles have attracted a great deal of interest since they produce a wide array of biotechnologically useful molecules like the enzymes (also called extremozymes), compatible solutes, coloring compounds and antimicrobials. A multidisciplinary approach combining different technologies including metagenomics is the way forward for tapping the real potential of microbial metabolism for applications in biotechnology.

Dr. Sajjad also participated in roundtable 1 discussion on “Science and Technology Diplomacy Serving Sustainable Development”, where he delivered a talk on “Promoting STEM Education by Concept of Bio-Mimicry”. Promoting STEM education through the concept of biomimicry can be a fascinating and effective way to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Biomimicry is the practice of drawing inspiration from nature's designs, processes, and systems to solve human challenges and create sustainable innovations thereby fostering Good health and well being (SDG-3), quality education (SDG - 3), descent work and economic growth (SDG-8), industry innovation and infrastructure (SDG-9).

As a highlight of the Forum, participants visited the renowned Turpan Eremophyte Botanical Garden located in Turpan, Xinjiang.  This unique botanical garden displays a diverse collection of arid-adapted plants, offering valuable insights into the region's ecological resilience. The Silk Road Science Forum served as a catalyst for collaboration SDG-17 (Partnership for the Goals), knowledge sharing, and forging regional bonds for achieving the UN SDGs vision 2030.

The Impact Rankings issued by Times Higher Education (THE) are the only global performance tables that assess the universities' impact on society based on the institution's success in achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the broad areas of research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. The Impact Rankings are growing rapidly each year as many more universities seek to demonstrate their commitment to achieving the SDGs by joining THE database.

National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) participated in Impact Rankings, 2023. The Impact Rankings - 2023 is the fifth edition, and the overall ranking list included 1,705 universities from 115 countries/regions. From Pakistan, 72 institutions participated in IR -2023. NUMS Quality Assurance Directorate which is the focal directorate for data submission to THE made concerted efforts in collaboration with its Constituent colleges and academic and other administrative departments, to focus on various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since June 2021 based on the data pertaining to FY 2020-21.

THE ranks the institutions based on their four best performing SDGs for that particular year. NUMS is among 1001+ universities world-wide and ranked 4^th among Public Sector Medical Universities in Punjab, that is contributing towards sustainability through its social and economic Impact.

SDG-wise Breakdown of NUMS score is depicted below:

 “=” reflects the group of universities in same score range.

National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) – a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) engaged university is very keen to ensure the availability of sustainable, healthy and subsidized meal at NUMS cafeteria for students, staff and faculty. For that purpose, NUMS has constituted a Sustainable Diet Committee (SDC) which also includes student membership from various academic departments. As per the recommendation of 1^st meeting of the SDC held on February 23, 2023, the surprise visit/Inspection of NUMS cafeteria was conducted on May 30, 2023 from 11:30hrs – 01:00hrs by SDC members.

The inspection was done by the members including Dr Abdul Momin Rizwan, Assistant Professor Department of Nutrition & Dietetics / Chairperson Sustainable Diet Committee, Ms Sumiya Nauman, Manager Quality Assurance/Focal Person for Impact Rankings & SDGs/Member, Mr Usama Nasir, Assistant Manager, Admin Dte/Member SDC and Ms Anosh Shahid, Student BS Psychology/Member SDC.

A food safety checklist was developed and used for inspection, based on the core areas for the functioning of the food area/facility. Various tools and techniques were used to identify the areas of improvement which included direct observation, interview of cafeteria supervisor and other staff members, collection of evidences, feedback from staff, faculty and students, etc.

The inspection was very fruitful to identify the areas of immediate concerns and that needs improvement in future. All the members of SDC actively participated in the whole activity and shared their suggestions. After completion of the inspection, a post visit meeting was held between the members where the Chairperson shared the recommendations after having a detailed discussion with all members. The findings of the visit are compiled as a report and shared during 2^nd Sustainable Diet Committee Meeting to identify the framework for implementation and suggest the improvement strategies. The whole activity ended with a positive note to devise a way forward for provision of sustainable and hygienic food to NUMS faculty, staff and students ensuring Good Health and wellbeing of all concerned (SDG-3) and the safety of cafeteria staff as well.

Head of NUMS Department of Nutrition and Dietetics (NDND) Dr. Abdul Momin Rizwan shared recommendations of the survey results on “Gap Analysis for Intake & Availability of Healthy Diet at NUMS” along with its recommendations, with a newly constituted NUMS Sustainable Diet Committee which met here on February 23,2023 and mulled over ways to address the requirements of UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-2) Zero Hunger. The survey was conducted by NUMS NDND.

The First meeting of the Sustainable Diet Committee was chaired by Dr Momin and was moderated by Ms Sumiya Nauman, Manager Quality Assurance / Focal Person for Impact Rankings/SDGs. Ms Sumiya Nauman, Manager QA shared a brief background of the measures already undertaken with respect to SDG-2, clause 2.2 and NUMS’ regular participation in Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE). Other participants included Assistant Manager, Mr Usama Nasir and representatives of students from multiple programs like BS Social Science of Health, BS Biotechnology, BS Nutrition & Dietetics and BS Psychology.

In its First meeting, the committee also discussed and suggested variety in food options to be made available at NUMS PWD Campus Cafeteria at an affordable price. The Sustainable Diet Options already available at NUMS Cafeterias (MH & PWD) were also discussed while students in their feedback suggested inclusion of a few sustainable food items in menu of the cafeteria, keeping in view their affordability.

Students were also apprised of the measures taken by NUMS Adm Dte, like discouraging sale of sweet beverages, updating of hygiene and sanitation of cafeteria, provision of food to security guards on subsidized rates etc.

The student representatives were asked to collect feedback from their respective departments and share it with the Quality Assurance Dte and chairman of the committee.  It was suggested that NUMS Sustainable Diet Committee be tasked to ensure that no sweet beverages including fizzy drinks and sweet juices be available at NUMS cafeteria. The suggestion of the students to display the food menu on daily basis along with prices at cafeteria was also discussed. HOD NDND in his concluding remarks thanked the participants and suggested conducting more awareness sessions for NUMS staff, students and faculty in coming weeks.

A masterclass on Pakistan’s Growing Global Impact: a Data Masterclass by the Times Higher Education (THE) was jointly organized by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and University of Lahore (UoL) on January 25, 2023 at HEC, Islamabad. Consultant Quality Assurance, Air Cdre Muhammad Ismail, SI (M), (Retd), Dy Director QA, Dr Erum Monis and Manager QA, Ms Sumiya Nauman represented NUMS in the masterclass. The event was attended by the participants from various universities, which was focused on the criteria and methodology of Impact Rankings (IR) and World University Rankings (WuR) by THE.

Chairman HEC, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed sheded light on Ranking of Universities from National and International perspectives. Dr Mukhtar in his presentation shared various types of rankings and the status/number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Pakistan which had been included in Asia and World rankings over the years.  The criteria and parameters of various ranking bodies were also shared along with their history and future plans. The major challenges being faced by HEC and HEIs besides their participation in rankings, the dynamic parameters of various ranking systems were also discussed.

Mr Phil Batty, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Times Higher Education (THE) was invited as a guest speaker. During his presentation, Mr Batty appreciated the interest and increasing participation of Pakistan’s HEIs in THE multiple rankings. He focused his presentation on Impact Rankings (IR) and World University Rankings (WuR) methodology. Main parameters, criteria and how the results for Impact Rankings and World University Rankings (WuR) are analyzed at THE were also discussed. Mr Batty also elaborated the performance analysis of Pakistan’s HEIs, which also included the best performing areas from 2018 till 2023 through parameter wise score. At the end of the session, the participant’s questions/queries were responded by the guest speaker and chairman HEC in a well-defined manner. The session was concluded with the vote of thanks to guest speaker from THE followed by a souvenir presentation to him by Chairman HEC.