UNICEF Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Pakistan’s Youth from Climate Crisis

Climate Change Minister and UNICEF Pledge Joint Action on Child-Centered Climate Resilience

Islamabad, May 8, 2025 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pledged continued support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard children from the growing impacts of climate change. UNICEF’s Representative in Pakistan, Mr. Abdullah Fadil, called on Senator Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, on Thursday to discuss collaborative strategies for building child-focused climate resilience.

The meeting centered on Pakistan’s climate-vulnerable youth, with both sides exploring evidence-based policy measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on children’s social and economic well-being.

Mr. Fadil highlighted that children in Pakistan, as in many climate-affected regions, are among the most vulnerable to the environmental crisis. He stressed the urgent need to build resilience across key public service sectors—particularly education, healthcare, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)—to ensure the protection and sustainable development of future generations.

UNICEF’s ongoing initiatives in Pakistan are currently benefitting nearly six million children nationwide, focusing on health protection, education, skills development, and youth empowerment, ultimately contributing to the country’s long-term socio-economic growth.

Senator Musadik Malik welcomed UNICEF’s active engagement and reiterated the government’s resolve to place children and youth at the center of Pakistan’s climate agenda.

“Pakistan must enhance investment in the socio-economic development of its youth, empowering them to become agents of change, climate leaders, and key drivers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he stated.

He also emphasized the importance of leveraging climate finance mechanisms to implement impactful programs that protect and uplift young people, particularly in vulnerable and underserved regions.

Earlier in the meeting, Mr. Fadil congratulated Senator Malik on his recent appointment and expressed confidence that, under his leadership, Pakistan would make meaningful progress in reducing child vulnerability to climate impacts and strengthening the country’s climate-resilient infrastructure.