Webinar Encourages Critical Reading and Research Skills for Sustainability

ISLAMABAD - Aug. 28, 2023 - PRLog -- The Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD) hosted a webinar focusing on the theme of "Conceptualizing and Pitching a Research Idea: Developing Critical Reading Skills and Learning to Formulate a Clear Research Pitch." The virtual event saw participants from various regions of Pakistan engaging in a dynamic discussion aimed at enhancing research skills and promoting sustainable development through meaningful academic endeavors.
The key points of discussion during the webinar revolved around fundamental questions guiding impactful research: What constitutes a problem? Why is it a problem? How should it be solved? What is the study's purpose? These foundational inquiries laid the groundwork for effective research design and execution, ensuring that the research undertaken addresses real-world challenges, particularly in the field of sustainable development. r. Ahmad emphasized three crucial elements of successful research: the idea, data, and tools. He highlighted significance of originality in research, the sources and quality of data, and the tools necessary for comprehensive analysis.
Dr. Ahmad posed two essential questions to researchers: "What's new?" and "So what?" These queries encourage researchers to identify the novelty and significance of their research, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to the existing knowledge landscape. The final component of the framework, referred to as the "bottom line," underscored the importance of understanding the research's contribution and addressing the "why" question within the context of a dogmatic regime. Dr. Shakeel Ahmad stressed the importance of fostering a research culture and cultivating a research mindset within the academic community. He remarked, "A research-oriented academic landscape is essential for societal progress, and critical thinking, coupled with the ability to pitch research ideas effectively, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor."
Prof. Nader, the General Secretary of GSISD, served as the session's moderator, elucidating the significance of the chosen topic and its implications for researchers and sustainable development enthusiasts alike. Dr. Vivak shed light on his research project concerning nutrition and health in Sindh, emphasizing the dire nutritional conditions in interior Sindh and the severe implications of malnutrition on mothers and newborns. He advocated for recognizing nutrition as a fundamental pillar for building strong nations, asserting that healthy mothers lay the foundation for vibrant societies. Prof. Ahsan Ur Rahim, contributed insights into health practices within different communities in Pakistan, with a particular focus on the Kalash community's unique health culture. Mr. Azher Hayat, Advisor of the Performing Arts and Labor Division of GSISD, enriched the discussion by highlighting indigenous health practices and their significance in sustainable development efforts.