UNICEF Pledges Strong Support for Pakistan’s Youth Amid Climate Crisis: 7 Key Highlights

UNICEF support for Pakistan’s youth against climate crisis took a powerful turn this week as the organization’s Pakistan Representative, Abdullah Fadil, met with newly appointed Federal Climate Change Minister, Senator Musadik Masood Malik. This landmark engagement emphasized UNICEF’s unwavering dedication to shielding Pakistani children from escalating climate threats.

Held on May 08, 2025, in Islamabad, this high-level dialogue laid the groundwork for strategic collaborations, policy reforms, and climate-resilient services to protect millions of children across Pakistan.

High-Level Meeting in Islamabad

At the heart of this important development is the meeting between UNICEF’s Country Representative, Mr. Abdullah Fadil, and Senator Musadik Malik, the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

“Children in Pakistan are among the most vulnerable to climate-related threats,” Fadil stated. “We must enhance resilience in education, health, and WASH services.”

Mr. Fadil emphasized evidence-based policymaking and infrastructure development to reduce vulnerabilities that disproportionately affect children—particularly in flood-prone and drought-affected regions.

Children on the Climate Frontline

Pakistan is ranked among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change, despite contributing less than 1% to global emissions. The youth—comprising nearly 64% of the population—are bearing the brunt of extreme weather events such as:

• Floods
• Heatwaves
• Droughts
• Air and water pollution

UNICEF support for Pakistan’s youth against climate crisis means prioritizing their access to safe water, clean air, healthcare, and education—essentials often disrupted by climate-related disasters.

UNICEF’s Current Work in Pakistan

UNICEF is currently benefiting over 6 million children through climate-smart programs aimed at:

• Improving school infrastructure in disaster-prone areas
• Providing clean drinking water and promoting hygiene (WASH)
• Healthcare delivery for malnutrition and disease outbreaks
• Skill-building for youth leadership in climate advocacy

These programs are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Internal link: Explore UNICEF’s projects in Pakistan

Government’s Youth-Centered Climate Vision

Senator Musadik Malik warmly appreciated UNICEF’s long-standing cooperation and emphasized the government’s resolve to make children and youth central to Pakistan’s climate policies.

“We must invest in our youth—not just to protect them, but to empower them as climate leaders and change makers,” said Senator Malik.

He stressed the importance of integrating youth voices in policymaking and creating educational opportunities that inspire sustainable behavior and innovation.

Tapping into Climate Finance

One of the critical challenges discussed was the need for climate finance to fund child-focused climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

Senator Malik and Mr. Fadil both highlighted:

• Exploring global climate finance mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
• Leveraging public-private partnerships for resilience building
• Ensuring equitable distribution of resources to reach vulnerable children in rural and low-income areas

Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan and Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) by UNICEF will help identify and prioritize high-impact investment areas.

Conclusion: Toward a Climate-Resilient Future

This meeting marks a transformative step toward building a more climate-resilient Pakistan where children are not just protected but empowered.

With UNICEF support for Pakistan’s youth against climate crisis growing stronger, both partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to:

• Strengthening climate-smart public services
• Protecting child rights in the climate context
• Scaling up climate education and youth empowerment

As Senator Malik begins his tenure, this strategic alignment between the Ministry of Climate Change and UNICEF could reshape the country’s climate narrative—with youth at the center of national resilience.

External link: UNICEF’s Global Climate Advocacy