The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil called on Senator Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, here Thursday.
Both sides discussed various aspects of children’s climate vulnerability and possible evidence-based policy measures to tackle the negative impacts of children’s social and economic lives.
The meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation to shield Pakistan’s children from the growing impacts of climate change.
During the meeting, Mr. Fadil emphasized that children in Pakistan, much like in other parts of the world, remain among the most vulnerable to climate-related threats. He stressed the urgent need to build resilience in essential services, particularly education, health, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, to safeguard the well-being and future of Pakistan’s youth.
UNICEF’s ongoing initiatives in Pakistan currently benefit nearly six million children across the country. These programmes aim to protect children's health, support their growth, enhance their skills, and empower them to realize their full potential, thereby contributing positively to Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
Senator Musadik Malik expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s continued support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to placing children and youth at the heart of the climate agenda.
“Pakistan must increase investment in the socio-economic development of its youth, equipping them to become powerful agents of change, climate leaders, and key contributors to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he stated.
He also underlined the importance of tapping into available climate finance mechanisms to implement impactful initiatives that ensure the protection and advancement of children and young people across the country.
Earlier, the UNICEF representative congratulated Senator Malik on his recent appointment and expressed hope that under his leadership, Pakistan will make significant strides in addressing the climate vulnerabilities affecting children and the country’s vital infrastructure.
