Pakistan’s youngest climate champion Zunaira shines at COP29
Despite cultural barriers, Zunaira has been a trailblazer in bringing climate education to her community and advocating for youth involvement in climate policymaking. “Youth want climate education, renewable energy, clean drinking water, and to be part of decision-making processes,” she said, highlighting the practical needs of her generation. Her determination to educate herself and others in her community exemplifies the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives in tackling climate challenges.
Leaders Highlight Youth's Role in Climate Action
Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, opened the session with a powerful statement: "Youth is our future, but it is our present. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the harbingers of change today." She underscored the pressing need for inclusive climate action, particularly for Pakistan’s vulnerable population, where environmental hazards such as air pollution and smog disproportionately affect children. Alam urged all stakeholders to avoid falling into the trap of global pledges that fail to materialise and focus on actionable solutions.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), echoed Alam's sentiments, describing climate change as both a challenge and an opportunity. He stressed the importance of integrating green skills into education and employment, with a focus on sectors like climate-smart agriculture and digital technologies. “Young people see climate change as their top concern globally. It’s time we made them central to climate solutions,” he stated.
Ahmed Iqbal Chaudhary, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the Punjab Assembly, addressed the disconnect between Pakistan’s youthful population and its older political leadership. Calling for more youth representation in governance, Chaudhary highlighted the importance of infrastructure that caters to the needs of young people and women.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Climate Action
Janeeta Awan, founder of Rebuild Earth, shared her experience as a sustainable entrepreneur. Using eco-bricks made from plastic waste, she has created shelters for stray animals, exemplifying how green entrepreneurship can drive sustainable employment and address environmental challenges. “The green economy creates sustainable employment and drives entrepreneurship,” she said, underscoring the growing need for green jobs.
Syeda Amna Batool, Member of the National Assembly and focal person for the PM Youth Programme, highlighted initiatives like the Green Youth Hub to engage young Pakistanis in climate action. She cautioned, however, that failure to meet the aspirations of youth could lead to widespread frustration: “If we don’t address the needs and aspirations of our youth, we risk turning them into an angry and disillusioned generation.”
A Call for Action
The event’s question session addressed critical issues, such as the environmental impact of real estate expansion on agricultural land and emissions. MPA Chaudhary and Dr. Suleri emphasised the need for anticipatory climate strategies to prevent future crises.
The Green Skills event at COP29 demonstrated the urgency of equipping young people with the knowledge and tools needed to foster a sustainable future. By empowering youth through climate education, green skills training, and sustainable job opportunities, Pakistan and the global community can harness their potential as the driving force behind transformative climate action.
Zunaira’s story, along with the contributions of youth leaders like Janeeta Awan, reminds us that the solutions to our climate challenges lie not only in high-level negotiations but in the aspirations and actions of young changemakers worldwide.
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