IHE Delft 💧Alumni interview: Aftab Nazeer

Duration: 3:02 511 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

Aftab Nazeer currently balances his roles as an academic researcher and a development practitioner, working directly with governments in Pakistan and internationally to foster water-secure societies. Although he finds it challenging to maintain equilibrium between these two sectors, he believes that staying connected to academia allows him to contribute more effectively to policy-making. His professional focus is on creating sustainable environments where water security is prioritized globally, leveraging his dual expertise to address critical needs in both research and practical application. His doctoral studies at IHE Delft were centered on understanding water availability under current and future scenarios, with a specific emphasis on managing these scarce resources wisely. This research was driven by the urgent reality that Pakistan, like many other nations, is facing severe water scarcity exacerbated by population growth and climate change. Despite the significant efforts made using knowledge gained from his education at IHE Delft, Aftab acknowledges that substantial challenges remain in addressing water and climate issues, requiring continued innovation and strategic management to ensure fresh water remains available for growing populations. Beyond the technical aspects of his research, Aftab highlights that his time at IHE Delft provided extensive training and instilled a deep confidence in working with one of the world's leading water research institutes. He views this experience as a blessing that has opened numerous career opportunities, noting that his affiliation with the institute immediately commands respect and recognition from peers and employers worldwide. This strong reputation has not only propelled his career forward but also inspired him to see a vast potential for future research and work in the water and climate sectors, allowing him to continue contributing meaningfully in the coming years. Aftab is a strong advocate for young students considering higher education in water management, consistently recommending IHE Delft as the ideal destination despite current global crises. He expresses that if given the chance to pursue another PhD, he would choose IHE Delft without hesitation, viewing it as a dream destination that offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and impact. His message to the younger generation is clear: those interested in water education should come directly to IHE Delft, as there is a growing realization in Pakistan of the expertise available there, inspiring more people to seek out this prestigious program for their professional development.

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I am usually teaching and doing some sort of applied research, but interestingly, I am working for a society and my [music] work is really contributing for policy making for governments in Pakistan and outside Pakistan where we really looking for a water secure environment, [music] water secure society everywhere. So, it's kind of a bit challenging for me to make a good [music] balance between academia and development sector, but you know, this is an area where I can contribute more uh together being staying with [music] the academia. My PhD was mainly focused on water [music] availability under current and future scenarios and then how we can manage them wisely. But at the same time, the fact is, you know, we are running [music] out of water and Pakistan is also one of the water scarce countries. So, challenges are really huge because [music] water is fresh water water is becoming uh less and less available with growing populations [music] and you know, with the threat of climate change. So, we are, you know, doing [music] our efforts with the knowledge we gained from IHE, but still there are many challenges that needs to be addressed >> [music] >> in terms of water and climate specifically. So, when I was doing my PhD [music] from IHE Delft, I realized later on that it was not just a degree, but you know, it was an extensive training we got, confidence in working with, you know, one of the world's leading water research institute. [music] So, it was a really really a blessing and that provided me with a lot of opportunities in my career so far. So, everyone knows about IHE, so whenever I'm saying I [music] am from Delft, they say they're not asking any more questions. And I can see this as a wonderful opportunity and [music] I can see there is a huge potential for more research and more work in water and climate sector and this is really this IHE Delft education is really helping me, you know, to get more and more opportunities and I can see myself really going forward in these areas and I will be able to contribute more in coming years. So, I traveled a lot around the world and whenever it comes to, you know, choosing a destination for higher education, I'm always recommending my youngsters, my students [music] to go for IHE Delft. But at the same time, it's about opportunities. [music] Things are a bit in crisis at the moment, but IHE Delft is really a dream destination for me and if I get a chance again to do a PhD, I will come to IHE Delft right [music] away. But the point is there is, you know, a huge realization in Pakistan about water expertise that Delft or IHE Delft is [music] having and everyone is really inspired and more and more people want to come. So, my message is again for young generation, if it's about water education, straightly come to the IHE Delft. >> [music]