UNICEF Climate Champion calls for policy changes to ensure youth involvement in climate decision-making
Zunaira, a 14-year-old award-winning researcher and UNICEF Climate Champion from Hub district, Balochistan, has made history as the youngest representative at the global climate summit, COP29. According to reports from the Associated Press of Pakistan, Zunaira captivated delegates during her speech at the Pakistan Pavilion, urging for greater youth involvement in climate action.
At the COP29 event titled Green Skills: What Do Young People Want?, Zunaira called for policy changes that ensure the youth play a significant role in climate decision-making. She also stressed the importance of practical climate solutions. In her speech, she shared her personal determination to not only educate herself but also empower other girls about climate change, despite cultural challenges in her community.
“Youth want climate education, renewable energy, clean drinking water, and to be part of decision-making processes,” Zunaira said. Her message highlighted youth-led initiatives that aim to bring climate education to schools, showing a clear path toward addressing pressing environmental issues.
Youth: The Leaders of Today, Not Just Tomorrow
The session began with a powerful statement by Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change. “Youth is our future, but it is our present. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the harbingers of change today,” she emphasized.
Alam underlined the urgent need for inclusive climate action, noting that environmental hazards like air pollution and smog are affecting children in Pakistan more than ever. “It’s time for everyone to unite for strong climate action and ensure global pledges turn into meaningful results,” she said.
Youth Empowerment: A Core to Address Climate Challenges
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), spoke about the pivotal role of youth in addressing climate challenges. He referred to a recent survey which found that climate change is the number one concern for young people worldwide. He called for the inclusion of green skills in education and job creation, especially in climate-smart agriculture and digital technologies.
Building a Bridge Between Youth and Politics
Ahmed Iqbal Chaudhary, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the Punjab Assembly, highlighted the gap between Pakistan’s young population and its older political leadership. He demanded increased youth representation in governance and better infrastructure to meet the needs of both youth and women.
Green Economy and Sustainable Employment
Janeeta Awan, founder of Rebuild Earth, shared her journey in sustainable entrepreneurship, using eco-bricks made from plastic waste to create shelters for stray animals. “The green economy creates sustainable employment and drives entrepreneurship,” she said, stressing the need for green jobs as part of a broader environmental strategy.
The Growing Need for Youth-Centric Climate Initiatives
Syeda Amna Batool, a Member of the National Assembly and focal person of the PM Youth Programme, emphasized the importance of youth-centric initiatives like the Green Youth Hub to address the frustrations and aspirations of young people in Pakistan. “If we don’t pay attention to the needs and aspirations of our youth, we risk turning them into an angry and disillusioned generation,” she cautioned.
Environmental Impact of Uncontrolled Real Estate Expansion
The session also raised questions about the environmental consequences of unchecked real estate expansion. MPA Chaudhary pointed out the impact of this growth on agricultural land and emissions. Dr. Suleri added that climate strategies must shift from reactive to anticipatory approaches to ensure sustainable policy outcomes.
Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future
The Green Skills event at COP29 underscored the urgent need to involve youth in climate decisions and equip them with the tools to build a sustainable future. As young people continue to take center stage in climate action, providing them with green skills and sustainable job opportunities is no longer just important—it’s transformative for our planet’s future.
