UNICEF, Pakistan Join Forces to Shield Youth from Climate Crisis
— May 8, 2025
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, called on Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Senator Musadik Masood Malik, in Islamabad on Thursday.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the growing climate vulnerabilities affecting children in Pakistan and explored evidence-based policy measures to mitigate their socio-economic impact. They also emphasised strengthening cooperation to shield Pakistan’s children from the escalating consequences of climate change.
Fadil noted that children are among the most vulnerable to climate-related threats and stressed the urgency of building resilience in essential services—particularly education, health, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)—to safeguard the well-being and future of the country’s youth.
UNICEF’s ongoing programmes in Pakistan currently benefit nearly six million children, aiming to improve health, development, life skills, and socio-economic participation.
Malik appreciated UNICEF’s continued support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to placing children and youth at the centre of the national climate agenda. He called for greater investment and mobilisation of climate finance to implement impactful initiatives nationwide.
He said Pakistan’s youth must be empowered to become climate leaders and contribute actively to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Earlier, Fadil congratulated Senator Malik on his recent appointment and expressed hope for stronger collaboration to address climate challenges, especially those affecting children and critical infrastructure.