Youth Climate Action Initiative Launched to Drive Gender-Responsive Solutions
Karachi – UN Women Pakistan, in collaboration with Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), launched the Youth Climate Action Initiative—a pioneering effort to strengthen youth engagement, particularly that of young women and Indigenous communities, in shaping Pakistan’s climate future.
Pakistan is among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries globally, facing severe challenges including rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, prolonged droughts, accelerated glacial melt, and rising sea levels. These shocks—such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) have displaced communities, strained infrastructure, and deepened inequalities. Women, youth, and Indigenous groups are disproportionately affected, yet remain underrepresented in climate decision-making and peacebuilding processes.
Speaking at the launch, Jamshed Kazi, Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan, highlighted the importance of inclusive approaches to climate action. He said, “At UN Women, we believe that climate action must be gender-responsive, locally grounded, and intergenerational. Through initiatives such as the Youth Climate Action Initiative and ‘COP in My City,’ we are ensuring that Pakistani youth are not only present at global platforms but are also meaningfully shaping the dialogue. We remain committed to strengthening youth engagement through climate resilience labs, mentorship opportunities, and community-led adaptation projects—placing young women and marginalized youth at the forefront of climate governance and peacebuilding.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nadir Shafi Dar, Director General, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), emphasized the role of young people in driving sustainable change and he said, “The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority is proud to partner with UN Women in this important initiative. Young people are the future custodians of our environment, and it is essential to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to lead climate action. By empowering youth—especially young women—we are not only investing in climate resilience and reducing environmental impact but also strengthening social cohesion and national progress.”
The three-day Youth Climate Action Initiative convened young leaders from across Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. Participants engaged in hands-on training, cross-regional knowledge exchange, and collaborative project design to advance gender-responsive climate solutions. The ceremony was also attended by Air Cmdr. (R) Rehan Shaukat, Additional Director Administration PCAA, Mr. Mudassir Masood, PCAA Environment Expert and Ms. Mahrukh Mumtaz Hussain, PCAA Gender Focal Person, underscoring the importance of institutional partnerships in promoting youth-led and women-centered approaches to climate action.
This initiative reflects Pakistan’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while aligning national efforts with global climate priorities. By placing youth voices—especially those of young women and marginalized groups—at the center, the initiative reinforces Pakistan’s climate leadership and advances inclusive, intergenerational dialogue and innovation. It directly contributes to Pakistan’s ambition of fostering sustainable, community-driven solutions in the lead-up to COP30, ensuring the country’s climate agenda remains globally relevant, locally grounded, and responsive to the needs of all.
About UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. We work with governments, civil society, and communities to advance women’s rights, influence laws and policies, and create inclusive systems that close the gender gap and build a more equal world.
About the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA):
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) is the regulatory body responsible for safe, secure, and efficient aviation operations in Pakistan. PCAA is committed to advancing sustainability and environmental responsibility in aviation while supporting national efforts to address the impacts of climate change.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
