Islamabad: Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam said that empowering young leaders from around the world to push with strong call for global climate action and spearhead meaningful environmental change is paramount to cultivate a new generation of climate-conscious leaders with passionate for creating sustainable solutions for the future, Addressing a high-level side ‘Global Youth Leadership in Climate Action’ held at the Pakistan Pavilion on Wednesday in Baku on the side-line of two-week’s global climate summit (COP29), the PM’s climate aide said, “While the adverse impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, young people themselves are at the forefront of the global demand for urgent climate action. However, connecting youth leaders with those demanding for climate justice and global climate action including environmental experts and policymakers is vital to efforts for tackling pressing common climate challenges.” The event was organised jointly by Climate Change
& Environmental Coordination Ministry and Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS).
According to Press Information Department, Romina Khurshid Alam emphasized the critical importance of engaging youth leadership in addressing climate change. She noted that young people are key to driving sustainable change and tackling the urgent challenges posed by climate change. She highlighted, “Climate change will disproportionately affect future generations, particularly youth, who will have to live with its long-term impacts. Issues like rising sea levels, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss will shape their future, making it essential for young people to be actively involved in shaping climate policies and solutions today.”
The PM’s climate aide also acknowledged that youth bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovative approaches to climate solutions. Their understanding of technology, social media, and modern communication tools allows them to mobilize communities, raise awareness, and drive grassroots movements effectively. “Youth leadership’s engagement in climate action actually embodies the principle of intergenerational justice—the idea that current generations should not deplete resources or degrade the planet at the expense of future generations. By empowering youth means the global community ensures that their voices are heard in discussions that will affect their future well-being,” Romina Khurshid Alam remarked.
Building future leaders by investing in youth climate leadership can significantly help build the environmental leaders of tomorrow. By providing education, mentorship, and platforms for engagement, young people can develop the skills and confidence needed to become future policymakers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will lead sustainable practices across industries, she stressed.
Highlighting Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities and actions being taken for the country’s resilience building, the PM’s climate aide stated that as climate-induced vulnerabilities grow, especially in developing countries, there is an urgent need for more coordinated, less intensive cross-border initiatives to tackle these challenges head-on. Pakistan, like many developing countries, has been on the frontlines, facing both the harsh impacts of climate change and the difficulties of adapting with limited resources. Through collaboration and by pooling resources, collective resilience can be strengthened for a more sustainable future.
Romina Khurshid Alam also pointed out that developing countries, especially in the South Asian region, are home to a dynamic, diverse, and rapidly growing youth population, which includes a new generation of climate leaders, innovators, and advocates. In Pakistan, young people are at the forefront of the climate movement, challenging actions, inspiring with fresh perspectives, and driving innovation across various fields. Their energy, creativity, and determination are crucial in accelerating climate action and promoting sustainable development.
“We must harness this momentum, empowering youth with the tools, resources, and platforms they need to champion climate resilience and sustainable progress,” PM’s climate aide Romina Khurshid Alam underlined and added, “This is crucial as I believe one of the most promising forces in this journey of fighting for climate justice is our youth.”