Pakistan’s Youth Take Center Stage in Climate Action Gala

News Desk

Lahore: A Post-COP30 Climate Gala was held at the University of Education (UE), Lahore, bringing together over 250 policymakers, academics, youth leaders, faith actors, and civil society representatives to link global climate commitments with inclusive, community-based climate action in Pakistan.

The event was organized by the NGO Bargad, in collaboration with the University of Education and the Green Youth Movement (GYM) Club (UE). Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Kanwal Liaquat and Team Lead of the Punjab Green Credit Program Rizwana Anjum attended the gala as special guests.

Addressing the gathering, Kanwal Liaquat, MPA, highlighted the strong political commitment of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in tackling climate challenges, particularly through the launch of Punjab’s first comprehensive Climate Change Policy. She emphasized that climate policies would succeed only when communities, especially youth, understood their responsibilities and took practical action.

Rizwana Anjum encouraged young people to actively participate in the Chief Minister Punjab Green Credit Program, explaining its incentive-based mechanism and guiding participants on registration and engagement.

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In his welcome address, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Alam Saeed stressed that universities play a critical role in bridging global climate discourse with local action, equipping youth with knowledge, purpose, and values.

Sabiha Shaheen, Executive Director of Bargad, reflected on COP30 in Brazil, noting that countries like Pakistan, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, face disproportionate climate impacts. She urged youth to raise their voices for climate justice. Uzma Yaqoob, Executive Director of FDI, emphasized aligning global climate commitments with local realities and community voices.

Program Coordinator Rabia Dar outlined the gala’s objectives and introduced the Inclusive Climate Action Network (I-CAN), a collaborative platform promoting inclusive, community-driven climate initiatives. The event highlighted youth-led I-CAN initiatives, where participants showcased community-based climate actions and innovations. CEO Youth Tube Iqbal Haider Butt presented a policy brief recommending strategies for effective implementation of the Punjab Climate Change Policy.

A panel discussion on policy-practice gaps called for stronger engagement of youth, faith leaders, and civil society. The panel included Balbeer Singh, Shaazeen Saeed, and Allama Muhammad Salman Shakir.

The gala concluded with a symbolic distribution of plants, an award presented to University gardener Wajahat Akram, and closing remarks on collective responsibility by Prof Dr Umar Saleem.