GILGIT: An international conference on climate-induced natural disasters and mitigation concluded in Karakoram International University, Gilgit, on Tuesday with a commitment to climate resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The International Conference on “Climate-Induced Disasters and Mitigation” was scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at the Karakoram International University in Gilgit. The conference was organised in partnership with the University of Peshawar, UNDL, GLOF-II, and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH). It aimed to bring together thought leaders and experts to discuss and propose innovative strategies for mitigating climate-induced disasters, raising awareness, and facilitating international cooperation in combating the devastating effects of climate change.

The event brought together over 50 researchers and scholars from China, Switzerland, Nepal, Norway, and Pakistan who presented their research findings and discussed strategies for building climate resilience in the region.

10 Corps Lt. Gen. Shahid Imtiaz, Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Nazir Ahmed Advocate, GB Minister Education Ghulaam Shahzad Agha, Special Assistant for Information Mr. Eman Shah, students, researchers, faculty members, officials, and policymakers participated on the closing day of the event.

The conference speakers emphasised the critical need for integrated linkages and joint efforts between government and non-government organisations through comprehensive planning. “The goal is to create a climate-resilient Gilgit-Baltistan capable of mitigating and adapting to natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, they said.

Addressing the conference, Speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, Nazir Ahmad Advocate, said, “The effects of climate change have already begun to take a toll on Gilgit-Baltistan, and if we do not act now, the future may bring even greater adversity to our beloved region.

“It is crucial that the international community and aid organisations join hands with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to tackle the formidable challenge of climate change collaboratively by uniting our efforts, we can address this critical global issue head-on and pave the way for a more resilient future he said.”

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2023