Youth inclusion in climate change policy measures crucial

News Desk

Islamabad: Speakers at a seminar on Friday were convinced that mitigating the impacts of climate change on youth is of utmost importance as almost 27 per cent of Pakistan’s population is between 15 to 29 years.

The number of youths in Pakistan is expected to peak by 2050, they informed. The speakers said youth remains the biggest stakeholder in climate action due to the intergenerational nature of climate challenges and, hence as such deserves to be at the forefront of all planned policies and action.

They were speaking at an event organized by the Ministry of Climate Change (MOCC) with the support of the German Development Cooperation in Islamabad. The event was organized in connection with International Youth Day.

Islamabad: Secretary of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Germany in Pakistan Antonia Peters in conversation with Country Director at GIZ Pakistan Tobias Becker. Staff Photo

More than 65 students and activists from twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Mardan, Peshawar interacted with policymakers and dignitaries, who motivated the youth to engage in climate action in Pakistan. Keeping in view the Pakistan Vision 2025, the seminar aimed to integrate intergenerational voices in climate action.

Senior Advisor Adaptation to Climate Change at GIZ Dr Mohammad Abid emphasized youths’ critical role in successful climate action and invited their support to act as role models to secure their future.

“We all know that addressing climate change is not a topic of discussion for policymakers only. The time is now for everyone to become part of this global movement to save our precious planet,” Dr Abid said while pointing the youth.

Kamran Naeem of WASH Enabling Environment & Climate introduced the concept of ‘COP in my City’ events which are planned of COP 27 in major cities of Pakistan.

The participants were divided into three to four groups to develop a policy brief on various issues like flooding, migration, drought, locust attack, GLOF, sea level rise and heatwaves.

First Secretary Development Cooperation – Embassy of Germany, Pakistan Antonia Peters said, “All over the planet, young people are leading the charge for action to combat climate change.” Antonia Peters said fighting for their future, fighting for our futures and together, your hard work and perseverance will help to move this issue right up the political agenda. We recognize I recognize your passion, your influence, and what is at stake for your generation. And it has been so important to have the voices of young people at the heart of our discussions.”

During a panel discussion, it was expressed how society at large is being affected by climate change and change needs to happen now.

“Climate change is a human rights issue, and we need to change now as we do not have time. The government needs to trust the youth. We are not made part of the policies and are not the key driving forces for the implementation of policies,” said Herman Nasir adding that the youth is not given enough knowledge to become part of the change.

“As humans, we tend to ignore issues unless they come knocking at our doors. Climate change is here now. And if we talk about the vulnerable communities, especially the Trans, it is exceedingly difficult for them to cope with regular issues let alone climate change and climate change will affect them the worst,” stated Reem Sharif.

Hania Imran said, “In Pakistan, we are still trying to understand what the problem is and there isn’t much expertise on the issue,” highlighting that more work needs to be conducted at this front. GIZ Pakistan Country Director Tobias Becker said “Youth has provided a paradigm shift to the overall climate discussions and remind us of the urgency we face and what we are all working towards – a climate-just and sustainable future.”

“To the youth here today, we need your support through your climate action, in the development of partnerships across the country, and your engagement on a policy level. While the previous generation has no doubt left you with a challenging legacy related to climate change, I am confident that together with your leadership potential, we will build a sustainable, resilient, and just future. A future that is prosperous for all. I thank you again for your participation today and I look forward to working with you towards building that future,” Becker added.

The event mobilized and facilitated action by enabling a climate adaptation/mitigation roadmap and providing a dedicated platform for young advocates to offer inspiring and original insights on issues that matter to them.