Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman was the Chief Guest at the youth dialogue on the right to clean and healthy environment organized by Embassy of Sweden in Pakistan, UNDP, WWF Pakistan and Stockholm+50 Youth Task Force today. The dialogue aimed to create more awareness amongst Pakistani youth regarding their role at a multilateral level and at the policymaking tables such as the Stockholm+50 International Meeting.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Federal Minister for Climate Change thanked H.E Swedish Ambassador, UNDP, IUCN, WWF and Youth Task Force on providing this great opportunity for engaging with the youth. "It is critical for public understanding of the gravity, the scale and ferocity of the climate catastrophe that we face today. The current moment presents an opportunity for young Pakistanis to drive transformative changes on ground and be ambassadors of climate action.” She further stressed, "Pakistan is under resourced in terms of climate funds and expertise to create a nation-wide coherent, coordinated and ongoing sustained response to a crisis that has been brewing for years. 60% of Pakistan's population is under 30 and therefore we need to mobilize youth. They are instrumental in acting as torchbearers of this cause throughout the world and are paramount to changing the dynamic on ground."
While discussing the deteriorating climate stress in Pakistan, she said, "Cities of Pakistan, such as Turbat, Dadu, Jacobabad are experiencing temperatures close to 50°C. Climate stress knows no geographical boundaries and is affecting the vulnerable most. Women, children, religious minorities experience climate stress very differently. Pakistan has been working towards mitigation measures such as carbon sinks and increasing forestation as well as its commitment to the 50% reduction of emissions by 2030. International community needs to expedite financing for this cause and we are committed to representing Pakistan at the Stockholm +50 and raise the issues concerning our country."
On the occasion, H.E. Henrik Persson, Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan, welcomed the participants and said “Sweden is on the track to become world’s first fossil-free welfare state, reaching net zero emissions by 2045. Stockholm+50 is an opportunity to consider what is going well, what can be improved and what we can do to meet the Sustainable Development Goals." The event was also attended by Knut Ostby, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan who said, "Currently, 68% of Pakistanis are below the age of 30, and 27% are aged between 15 and 29. Through increased cooperation and dialogue, the youth can help strengthen the ability of businesses and governments to deal with impacts of climate change. They now have the chance to advocate for a resilient and greener economy that will lead to prosperity, and a healthier planet."
Over 60 young people aged between 11-25 participated in the dialogues and shared their policy proposals towards the right to a healthy environment. The desired and concrete policy demands of the Youth Dialogue will be communicated to the Stockholm+50 Secretariat and incorporated in the policy positions of the Stockholm+50.
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