PESHAWAR (Khyber Mail): Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information & Public Relations, attended a one-day conference on climate change titled “Youth and Beyond: From COP29 Promises to Action-Oriented COP30 Policies,” organized by the Progressive Climate Foundation (PCF) in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The event brought together youth, students, and climate activists to discuss the pressing challenges of climate change and the role of young people in driving actionable solutions. Minister for Social Welfare Department, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, also attended the conference.
In his keynote address, Dr. Saif emphasized the existential threat posed by climate change, not only to humanity but to all living beings. He highlighted the importance of understanding and addressing climate change through positive and proactive measures, warning that failure to act could have dire consequences for future generations.
Dr. Saif acknowledged the critical role of youth in shaping climate policies and urged them to take ownership of the issue. He stressed that climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action, particularly from younger generations who will inherit the planet. He also pointed out the need for conflict resolution and effective management of challenges, drawing parallels between societal progress and the ability to adapt to change.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s specific challenges, Dr. Saif noted that while the country contributes minimally to global carbon emissions, it remains one of the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. He shared practical examples from his experiences, including his observations of environmental degradation in high-altitude regions like Siachen, where waste management issues persist on both sides of the border.
Dr. Saif also discussed the importance of leveraging social media and grassroots campaigns to raise awareness and drive policy changes. He highlighted the success of initiatives like the ban on plastic bags in Islamabad, which was enforced with the help of students and youth reporting violations and promoting alternatives.
The Advisor commended the efforts of the Progressive Climate Foundation and other organizations working at the micro-level to address climate challenges. He assured the participants of the government’s commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives and leveraging international resources, such as the Green Climate Fund, to implement sustainable policies.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Saif called on the youth to document their efforts, raise awareness, and actively participate in shaping climate policies. He reiterated the government’s willingness to collaborate with young climate activists and provide them with the necessary platforms to amplify their voices.
The conference concluded with a call to action, urging participants to move beyond promises and focus on implementing actionable policies ahead of COP30.