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Islamabad, On June 5th, 2024, Islamabad hosted a significant event for World Environment Day, featuring collaborations between the United Nations, the Aga Khan Foundation, and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. The event focused on the severe impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution in Pakistan, highlighting the country’s proactive steps in climate diplomacy and ecological restoration.
According to United Nations Pakistan, the celebration included recognition of Pakistan’s efforts through its ‘Living Indus’ initiative, which recently received the World Restoration Flagship award from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). This initiative aims to rejuvenate the ecological health of the Indus River Basin, illustrating Pakistan’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the country’s educational initiatives on climate change and its strategies to mitigate environmental degradation.
The ceremony also honored 30 ‘Climate Heroes,’ individuals across Pakistan who actively combat the climate crisis. Their contributions range from fighting pollution and deforestation to addressing the challenges of glacial melts and heatwaves. Mr. Mohamed Yahya, the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, spoke about the crucial role of community efforts in adapting to the realities of climate change and highlighted the support provided by various UN agencies through innovative programs.
Additionally, the event featured the premiere of ‘When the floods come,’ a documentary by Pakistani filmmaker Nyal Mueenuddin. The film, which will have another public screening at the PNCA this Friday, follows a 3000km journey down the Indus River, capturing poignant stories of how climate change is affecting local lives and livelihoods.
Mr. Akhtar Iqbal, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation, reflected on the transformative effects of climate change on communities and the environment. He reaffirmed the foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting Pakistan through initiatives aimed at resilience, clean energy, sustainable resource management, reforestation, and fostering climate leadership among women and youth.
The event underscored this year’s World Environment Day theme, focusing on land restoration, desertification prevention, and drought resilience, highlighting the global call to action encapsulated in the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” Since 1973, World Environment Day has served as a vital global platform for raising environmental awareness, celebrated by millions worldwide.