Islamabad (Agencies): In a significant move to amplify young voices in the battle against climate change, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Pakistan has appointed 14-year-old Zunaira Qayyum as its Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls’ Empowerment. The announcement was made at the Dawn Media Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference, underscoring Zunaira’s exceptional contributions as a champion for climate action and child rights.
Hailing from Balochistan, Zunaira has represented Pakistani youth on national and international platforms, including COP 29. Her research on the impacts of climate change-induced floods on girls’ secondary education in Hub, Balochistan, won recognition in the 2023 UNICEF Policy Research Challenge. Through her advocacy, she has trained adolescents in Hub using UNICEF’s Youth Advocacy Guide, inspiring many with her dedication to positive change.
UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, lauded Zunaira’s appointment, stating, “The climate crisis poses one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced, but when I listen to Zunaira and the children of Pakistan, I find hope and inspiration for the future. We must do more to empower children and young people with opportunities to lead, act, and help this country prosper.”
The appointment comes at a critical juncture, as Pakistani children face escalating threats from climate change and severe weather events. A recent UNICEF analysis revealed that climate-induced hazards disrupted schooling for 26 million children in Pakistan in 2024, with 16 million children affected by air pollution in Punjab alone.
Zunaira’s appointment as UNICEF Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls’ Empowerment is a testament to her hard work and dedication, highlighting the vital role of young people in driving meaningful change.