Paris, Madad Ali Sindhi, Pakistan’s Minister for Education, addressed the “One Planet – Polar Summit” in Paris, focusing on the critical condition of the “Third Pole” – the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindukush (HKH) region. The Minister emphasized the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change and protect the glaciers, which are vital for the freshwater supply to approximately 2 billion people.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Sindhi highlighted that Pakistan hosts over 7,000 glaciers in the HKH range, covering an area of around 15,000 square kilometers. He pointed out that the HKH region is particularly susceptible to climate change, and its preservation is crucial for ecosystems, biodiversity, and food security. The Minister referenced the 2022 Shisper Glacier incident as an example of the increasing risks posed by avalanches and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF).

Minister Sindhi affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a significant role in addressing the issues affecting polar regions and the implications of climate change on vital glaciers. He called for international collaboration in conservation efforts, robust research, sustainable policies, and proactive measures to safeguard these fragile ecosystems.

The One Planet – Polar Summit, which commenced on November 8, is the first international summit dedicated to glaciers and poles, aiming to strengthen international cooperation for the preservation of the cryosphere and polar biodiversity. The three-day summit in Paris sees participation from the international scientific community, political leaders, and representatives from countries with a presence in the Arctic, Antarctic, and glacial regions.