PRCS Holds Pre-COP30 National Dialogue to Amplify Pakistan’s Climate Voice
Islamabad: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), in collaboration with the German Red Cross, organized the “Pakistan Pre-COP30 National Dialogue 2025” under the theme “From Policy to Practice – Pakistan’s Voice for COP30 (Brazil).
Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman, attended the event as Chief Guest. In her keynote address, she congratulated PRCS for convening a timely and important dialogue on one of the most pressing global challenges.
She said Pakistan continues to be among the most climate-affected countries despite contributing minimally to global emissions. “Climate change and global warming have turned into a monster threatening our very existence. The poor are the most affected; their futures are being stolen, and their livelihoods are at risk,” she remarked.
Senator Rehman emphasized that the real challenge lies between the Global North and Global South and called for equitable climate action and financial support for developing nations. “We will present Pakistan’s case at COP30 in the best possible way. This National Dialogue organized by PRCS is a significant and timely initiative. We need sustainable measures to address the worsening impacts of climate change,” she stated.
She acknowledged PRCS’s frontline role in responding to disasters and serving vulnerable communities. “The Red Crescent is always stretched to its limits, yet it remains committed to saving lives and rebuilding hope at the grassroots level,” she said, adding that volunteers are the heart and backbone of disaster response. She encouraged them to plant trees, reduce carbon footprints, and become agents of meaningful change.
PRCS Chairperson Mrs. Farzhana Naek thanked the Chief Guest and all participants for contributing to the dialogue, stressing the importance of joint actions, sustained partnerships, and national advocacy ahead of COP30. “Climate change is not a challenge of one country but a shared global responsibility. We look forward to strengthened technical cooperation, financial assistance, and capacity-building support from COP30 to help countries like Pakistan adapt and build resilience,” she said.
Earlier, PRCS Secretary General Mr. Muhammad Abaidullah Khan welcomed the participants and shared PRCS’s initiatives on climate adaptation, risk reduction, and community resilience. He reaffirmed PRCS’s commitment to working with partners and stakeholders to advance climate resilience in Pakistan.
The dialogue featured remarks from Head of Office, German Red Cross Pakistan, Mr. Asif Aman, Head of Delegation, IFRC Pakistan, Mr. Farid Abdulqadir and Mr. Sajjad Kandhir from Climate Change Adaptation department. A panel discussion followed, with contributions from Dr. Altaf Abro, Majid Bilal, Raza Narejo, Qurat-ul-Ain Cheema, Zia-ur-Rehman, and Anam Zaib.
The event concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields by PRCS Chairperson Mrs. Farzhana Naek to Senator Sherry Rehman and panel members. A symbolic tree plantation ceremony was also held, with Senator Rehman and Mrs Naek planting a sapling in the PRCS lawns to reaffirm their commitment to a greener Pakistan.
The dialogue was attended by the Head of Delegation of the Turkish Red Crescent, Ms Beyza Taner, representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Norwegian Red Cross, climate experts, PRCS staff, volunteers, and students.
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.
