Alumni networks can play a vital role in bringing together academic institutions, professionals, industry, government organisations and research.

FAISALABAD September 16: Alumni networks can play a vital role in bringing together academic institutions, professionals, industry, government organisations and research bodies to develop collaborative solutions to emerging challenges of food security and the well-being of society. It was stated by Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, the Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). He was chairing a meeting to review arrangements for the UAF Alumni Meet, which will be held on November 26-27, following the university’s convocation on November 25. Convener and Dean Agriculture Prof Dr Ghulam Murtaza briefed about proposed arrangement for the alumni meet and convocation. Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that alumni were an important strength of any university as they carried their academic knowledge and professional experience into different sectors of society. Their continued engagement with their alma mater could help build bridges between academia and the professional world and create opportunities for joint research, innovation, internships, scholarships, entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange. He said, particularly for an agricultural university, a strong alumni network could contribute to addressing issues relating to food production, climate change, water management, agricultural innovation, value addition and food security. Collective efforts involving alumni, researchers, policymakers, industry and farming communities could help translate knowledge and research into practical solutions for society. The Vice Chancellor emphasised that the Alumni Meet should go beyond a reunion and provide a platform for meaningful interaction, exchange of ideas and identification of areas for long-term collaboration. He directed the organising committees to make comprehensive arrangements to facilitate participation and engagement of alumni from different professional fields. The meeting was attended by senior university officials and members of the organising committees, who briefed the Vice Chancellor about the proposed arrangements and activities for the event. The Alumni Meet will bring together UAF graduates from different generations and professional backgrounds, providing an opportunity to strengthen their connection with the university and explore collaborative initiatives for agriculture, food security, innovation and the broader well-being of society.