KARACHI: Speakers at a youth convention, which concluded on Sunday at a local hotel, emphasised the need for investing in climate-resilient schools and infrastructure and integrating climate education into national curricula.

The two-day event titled Youth Convention: Climate Change and Role of Youth was organised by Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), in collaboration with DevCon, Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) and the Gender and Empowerment Organisation (GEO).

The speakers underscored the urgent need for child-focused climate action, with a central theme highlighting the critical role of youth in climate resilience and advocacy.

The programme saw the launch of a report on the impact of climate change on children in Pakistan authored by researcher Javeria Khan. The report paints a stark picture of how climate change is disproportionately affecting Pakistan’s children and the most vulnerable.

According to the report, out of the 33 million people affected by 2022 floods — half of them were children. The floods destroyed 26,600 schools, disrupting education for over 2 million students. The flood-hit regions have seen an increase of 119 percent in child marriages while 11 million children were exposed to toxic smog in 2024.

“These numbers are not just statistics. They represent lives disrupted, futures derailed and rights denied,” said Qindeel Shujaat, the executive director of Obun2, a non-profit organisation working for children, calling for urgent action to build a future where every child was safe, educated and empowered to fight climate change.

The speakers called for urgent youth-led climate action. “We are proud to stand with Pakistan’s youth,” said Salam Dharejo, the country head of Terre des Hommes. “They have the ideas, energy and vision to lead the climate movement. Let’s empower them with the tools and support they need.”

Mehran Ali Shah, chairman of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, said: “We trust in our youth. They are already facing the consequences of climate inaction. It’s time they lead the solutions.”

Iqbal Detho, Chairman of Sindh Human Rights Commission, connected environmental degradation to human rights: “Climate change is not just an ecological issue; it is a matter of justice, survival, and dignity — especially for children.”

Ayhan Mustafa Bhutto, representing the Sindh Directorate of Climate Change, stressed the need for innovation: “We encourage young people to come forward with solutions. Government must become an enabler, not a bystander.”

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2025