ISLAMABAD: The United Nations, Aga Khan Foundation, and the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination hosted a significant event in Islamabad to celebrate World Environment Day.
The focus was on raising awareness about the dire impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution in Pakistan, and showcasing the country’s proactive measures to address these challenges.
“Pakistan is among the countries most adversely affected by climate change, but it is leading the way with its climate diplomacy,” stated Ms. Romina Khurshid, Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change. “We are educating our youth on this crucial subject. We will leave no stone unturned to slow environmental degradation and increase our ability to deal with the fallout of global warming and its impacts on clean water, health, agriculture, food systems, and energy.”
During the ceremony, Pakistan’s ‘Living Indus’ initiative was honored with the World Restoration Flagship award by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Announced in March, this award recognizes efforts to restore the ecological health of the Indus River Basin, a crucial part of Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan. The initiative is supported by UNEP and aims to build resilience against climate change. Additionally, the event celebrated 30 ‘Climate Heroes,’ individuals making significant contributions to combating the climate crisis across the country.
“Temperatures in Pakistan soared over 52 degrees Celsius last week. We cannot turn back time, but we can take action to adapt to this new age of global warming,” said Mr. Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan.“Communities across the country are already coping with climate change impacts such as pollution, deforestation, glacial melt, floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
By supporting initiatives like ‘Living Indus’ and other innovative programs, UN agencies aim to help protect and restore nature, biodiversity, water sources, as well as the lives and livelihoods of people.”
The event also featured the premiere of ‘When the Floods Come,’ a documentary by young Pakistani filmmaker Nyal Mueenuddin. The film captures intimate stories of how people’s lives are intricately connected to climate change, following a 3000km journey down the Indus River. It will be screened again at a public event at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) this Friday.
“Communities are experiencing impacts of climate change. It is already transforming landscapes, habitats, livelihoods, and local aspirations,” said Mr. Akhtar Iqbal, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation. “Our collective actions can make a difference. At the Aga Khan Foundation and agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network, we have been committed to supporting Pakistan for over 55 years.
We aim to empower communities to be more resilient, access clean energy, adopt sustainable natural resource management practices, and contribute to large reforestation efforts. We also place women and young people at the center of climate leadership, investing in their future through boosting green businesses and jobs.”
Globally, ecosystems are facing unprecedented threats, from forests and drylands to farmlands and lakes. The subject of this year’s World Environment Day is “Our land. Our future.” Our movement, #GenerationRestoration, is centered on restoring land, preventing desertification, and enhancing drought resistance. Under the leadership of UNEP, World Environment Day has expanded from 1973 to become the biggest worldwide forum for environmental education, observed by millions of people.
The collaborative efforts in Islamabad highlight Pakistan’s dedication to leading climate action and inspiring global solidarity in the fight against climate change.
