ISLAMABAD: United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) on Thursday pledged support and protection for Pakistan’s children against the climate crisis and its impacts on their economic and social lives.

The pledge came when Unicef Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, called on the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Senator Musadik Masood Malik, here Thursday.

Both sides discussed various aspects of children’s climate vulnerability and possible evidence-based policy measures to tackle the negative impacts on children’s social and economic lives.

The meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation to shield Pakistan’s children from the growing impacts of climate change.

During the meeting, Mr Fadil emphasised that children in Pakistan, much like in other parts of the world, remained among the most vulnerable to climate-related threats.

He stressed the urgent need to build resilience in essential services, particularly education, health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, to safeguard the well-being and future of Pakistan’s youth.

Unicef’s ongoing initiatives in Pakistan currently benefit nearly six million children. These programmes aimed to protect children’s health, support their growth, enhance their skills, and empower them to realise their full potential, thereby contributing positively to Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

Senator Malik expressed appreciation for Unicef’s continued support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to placing children and youth at the heart of the climate agenda.

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

He also underlined the importance of tapping into available climate finance mechanisms to implement impactful initiatives that ensure the protection and advancement of children and young people across the country.

Earlier, the Unicef representative congratulated Mr Malik on his recent appointment and expressed hope that under his leadership, Pakistan will make significant strides in addressing the climate vulnerabilities affecting children and the country’s vital infrastructure.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2025