KARACHI: Karachi Declaration has paved the way for the launch of the D8 Eco & Age-Friendly Smart Cities and Towns Initiative, with Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town selected as the first pilot project in Pakistan. The initiative was announced following the D8 International Health Summit and the Karachi Healthcare Expo and Conference, marking the start of a regional effort to build sustainable, inclusive and technology-driven communities across D8 member countries.

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The programme is jointly led by the İbni Sina Institute and the World Ageing Council and seeks to strengthen collaboration among municipalities, governments, universities, civil society organisations and the private sector to improve urban living standards.

Gulshan-e-Iqbal Chosen for Pilot Project

More than 100 words into the announcement, the Karachi Declaration identified Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town as the first location where the initiative will be implemented.

Gerontologist Dr. Kemal Aydın, Founder and President of the İbni Sina Institute and the World Ageing Council, and Dr. Fauad Ahmed, Chairman of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, said the pilot project will serve as a model for creating a regional D8 Eco & Age-Friendly Smart Cities Network.

They said the initiative will encourage innovation, healthy ageing, environmental sustainability and people-centred urban planning throughout D8 member states.

Programme Aligns With Global Development Goals

The initiative will support the implementation of internationally recognised frameworks, including:

• Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA)
• WHO Healthy Cities Programme
• WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities
• Human Rights Cities Initiative
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Organisers said municipalities will translate these global commitments into practical local projects designed to improve the quality of life for residents of all age groups.

Annual Conference to Strengthen Regional Cooperation

As part of the initiative, organisers announced that the D8 Eco & Age-Friendly Cities and Towns Conference will be held every April.

The annual event will bring together mayors, policymakers, researchers, international organisations and development partners to exchange best practices, showcase successful projects and build new regional partnerships.

The organisers described the Karachi pilot as an important milestone in promoting sustainable urban development, healthy ageing, environmental responsibility and inclusive governance across D8 countries.

They also invited D8 member states, municipalities, universities and international partners to participate in the initiative and contribute to developing healthier, greener and smarter cities for future generations.