HYDERABAD: Speakers at a dialogue on “Youth Empowerment for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development” organised by Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, on Monday urged youth to take lead in efforts for addressing climate change impacts such as floods and droughts and remarked that youth were not only future but also present drivers of change.

They taught youth how to overcome climate challenges and play a vital role in achieving sustainable development. The event was held in collaboration with Integrated Rural Awareness and Development Organisation (IRADO) and Jaggarta Development Organisation.

SAU VC Dr Fateh Marri highlighted the pivotal role of youth leadership in addressing climate challenges and said that youth were not only future but also present drivers of change.

Their innovative thinking and strong determination could resolve complex environmental issues while their leadership was crucial for building resilient communities and achieving sustainable development, he said.

South Asia Partnership’s executive director, Mohammad Tahsin, remarked that youth had historically been at the forefront of social and environmental revolutions. In the current context they must take lead in addressing climate change impacts such as floods and droughts. Inclusive participation, particularly of boys and girls from remote areas, was essential for equitable climate resilience, he said.

Prof Dr Mohammad Ismail Kunbhar expressed concern over environmental vulnerability in Sindh and said as lower riparian, Sindh faced severe climate risks.

Localised action plans driven by youth were needed to address these challenges effectively, based on ground realities, he said.

SAP’s representative Shahnaz Sheedi observed that women and children were disproportionately affected by climate change effects and stressed the importance of involving women in climate initiatives.

Their inclusion in climate action groups was not only necessary but transformative, she said.

Dr Riffat Aziz, chairperson of Paigham Organisation, discussed critical role of women in climate resilience and said active participation of women in planning and implementation could significantly reduce devastating effects of climate change.

Prof Dr Sarfaraz Khan, former director of Area Study Centre at Peshawar University, highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to environmental crises and talked about the need for translating climate policies into local languages to effectively engage youth and launch impactful climate justice programs.

Experts, youth leaders and individuals from various sectors participated in the dialogue.

Abbas Khoso, executive director of IRADO, and Khalid Babbar, executive director of Jaggarta Development Organisation, also spoke at the gathering.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2024