Belém, Brazil –: Pakistani youth climate advocate Abdul Basit Mushtaq, supported by the Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA), concluded his participation at COP30, engaging with global youth and climate leaders to promote youth-friendly climate education and cultural storytelling.
“Climate education cannot be taught with complicated jargon,” he said. “Young people connect better through stories, theatre, and cultural experiences that make climate issues real and urgent.”
He highlighted PODA’s work empowering rural women and youth through climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, soil health, and economic skills. PODA’s ongoing training programs strengthen rural communities’ resilience, while the Annual Rural Women’s Leadership Conference links community voices with policymakers. Creative initiatives like Jugni Theatre make climate education accessible and culturally engaging, especially in underserved regions.
Noting that 64% of Pakistan’s population is under 30 and only 19% of youth aged 15–24 are well-informed about climate change, he called for stronger collaboration between government and civil society to expand climate awareness.
As COP30 concluded, he urged governments, educators, and climate organizations to recognize young people as key partners in building a resilient and inclusive future. PODA’s support ensures that rural and youth perspectives continue to be represented on global platforms, showing that climate action is most effective when it is inclusive and locally rooted.
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.
