UNICEF Representative Meets Pakistani Climate Change Coordinator to Discuss Food Security and Vulnerable Populations
Islamabad: UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Abdullah A. Fadil met with Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, to address pressing issues related to climate change, food security, and the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the government and international organizations to mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters.
The discussion focused on the severe challenges posed by climate change, which has exacerbated food insecurity in Pakistan. Alam pointed out that climate change-induced droughts and extreme weather events have disrupted agricultural production and increased water shortages, further jeopardizing the country’s food security. She emphasized that food security is one of the greatest challenges for the future.
To tackle this, Alam proposed promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, including the planting of avocado, orange, and banana trees in every household. This initiative, she said, would not only address food security challenges but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Alam cited successful examples from African countries, where such crops have been integrated into agricultural economies and have become significant exports to Europe and the Middle East.
Alam also highlighted the importance of empowering young girls with climate-resilient skills, citing her recent meeting with Dr. Haddy, head of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). She stressed the need for green-skills education programs to equip young women with the knowledge and tools necessary to become leaders in climate action and to better cope with the challenges posed by climate change.
Fadil reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations, particularly children, through its programs in health, education, and water and sanitation. Both parties agreed that targeted interventions are critical to reducing the vulnerabilities of children to climate change and ensuring their well-being. They emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration and the integration of children’s needs into climate policies to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind.
