Islamabad by IMTISAL BUKHARI
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) in collaboration UNICEF, successfully concluded the Youth for Climate (Y4C) with a vibrant Grand Finale held at NUST in Islamabad. The event brought together young climate champions from across Pakistan, to showcase innovative solutions and engage in high level policy dialogue.
The nationwide initiative commenced with registrations closing on September 15, 2025, followed by a rigorous shortlisting process. Selected participants underwent four capacity building sessions form September 25th-28th , equipping the participants with essential skills in climate advocacy, problem-solving, solution oriented and strategically though out initiatives.
From October 1st to 22nd, regional conclaves were organized in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 29 young children (under 18 years) and 45 Youth (18-24 years) qualified to represent their regions at the national grand finale.
At the finale, participants engaged in dynamic group activities, tackled complex climate challenges, and responded to probing questions from judges and the young audiences. Four adult winners and four runners- up were selected from the 45 youth participants, while two winners and two runners- up emerged from the children’s category (15-17 years).
The event culminated in a policy dialogue session featuring young parliamentarians and officials; including Syeda Nousheen Iftikhar President Young Parliamentarians Forum, Mr. Muhammad Usman Awaisi Parliamentary Secretary Pakistan Railways, Barrister Aqeel Minister of State for Law and Justice and Ms. Ayesha Humera Secretary MoCC&EC. Youth participants posed bold, insightful questions on climate governance and policy frameworks which were addressed with depth and clarity by the panel.
The moderator summarized key takeaways, emphasizing the urgent need for district level policy formulation and implementation through a top-down approach to ensure effective climate action, the role of youth was also highlighted and how they can become more effective in climate action.
Cindy Kushner, Chief of WASH at UNICEF, congratulated the participants and stated;
“At UNICEF, children and young people are at the heart of everything we do. In Pakistan- where 68% of the population is under 30 and 47% are under children under 18- these are not just statistics, but a story of immense potential. Youth are not bystanders; they are leader of today and tomorrow. We must make climate finance child-sensitive and empower them to lead”
She thanked MoCC&EC and urged integrating green skills into vocational training, establishing a National Green Youth Innovation Fund, and ensuring equitable access to climate finance for youth-led ventures.
Secretary MoCC&EC underscored the pivotal role of youth in shaping both present and future climate strategies, stating:
“We must engage our youth at all forums, especially COP. Extreme weather events like the recent floods, and many other like GLOF, drought, food security, and heat wave, demand innovative, tested scaled, resilient and inclusive solutions- and our youth are leading the way”.
The Ministry expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders and highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in established Green TECH Hub. Universities across Pakistan have been invited to join this pioneering platform for youth -led climate innovation.
The Youth for Climate Grand Finale marks a milestone in empowering Pakistan’s next generation to drive sustainable, inclusive and impactful climate solutions.