ISLAMABAD: The entire international community stood with Pakistan on World Environment Day, said Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, during a press conference here on Sunday.

“We have received support and positive messages from the United Nations secretary general and the UN Environment programme, who appreciated the Ten Billion Tree and the Recharge Pakistan initiatives, and efforts for conservation of protected areas.

“The head of World Economic Forum, appreciated Pakistan for leading the world in conservation of environment,” Mr Aslam said as he conveyed messages for the media from heads of states and international bodies, including Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and UN Habitat, appreciating efforts made by Pakistan for conservation of the environment.

As Pakistan hosts World Environment Day, commemorated on June 5 every year, Ministry of Climate Change has spent the last three days holding various events to emphasise the importance of preservation of the environment.

Mr Aslam said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has been seen leading the world on issues related to the environment and the world leadership appreciated his vision.

Afterwards, the SAPM conveyed messages from the Chinese president, British prime minister, and president of World Economic Forum, who addressed the World Environment Conference in Islamabad on Saturday.

He invited opposition parties to come to an agreement with the government on the challenges of the environment and to support its agenda to combat global warming and ensure survival of future generations; he emphasised on restoration of the ecosystem, protecting nature with end benefits to communities, restoring the 1-million-hectare forest area, enhancing the number of national parks and so on.

“The concept of green financing is picking up momentum. When we informed the world that Pakistan would require $500 million to implement these initiatives, the international community in return offered to finance $3 billion.

The confidence of the international community in Pakistan is obvious from the country’s green credibility and economic stability,” he said, adding that it was a privilege for Pakistan to be hosting World Environment Day, that was streamed live on June 5 throughout the globe.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2021