Baku: The Government of Pakistan, alongside provincial administrations from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has declared a commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of children and young people against the impacts of climate change. This commitment was made in collaboration with UNICEF at the COP 29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Pakistani leaders signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, signaling a commitment to support priorities identified by youth globally. This move aims to protect approximately 112 million children and young people in Pakistan who face hazards such as climate-related disasters and displacement. Romina Khurshid, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, emphasized the integration of child rights into Pakistan’s climate policies, highlighting the upcoming focus on Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0 at COP30 in Brazil.
Nationally Determined Contributions are efforts by countries to reduce emissions and adapt to climate changes. Pakistan’s NDC 2.0, submitted in 2021, was partially child-sensitive, with the next iteration due in March 2025. Murad Ali Shah, Sindh’s Chief Minister, emphasized the need for education that prepares youth for a climate-affected world and a green economy.
The collaboration between the Government of Pakistan and UNICEF underscores concerns over the disproportionate impact of climate change on youth, with greenhouse gas emissions and climate pollutants threatening their well-being. Faisal Amin Khan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reaffirmed the government’s dedication to implementing the Declaration and investing in education and skills for young Pakistanis.
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden highlighted the urgency of directing climate investments towards children, noting that only a small fraction of global climate finance is currently child-responsive. UNICEF called on global leaders at COP 29 to recognize the unique vulnerabilities of youth and increase financial commitments to child-responsive climate action.