Pakistan, UNICEF ink MoU to shield children from climate risks

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan and UNICEF have formalized an agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding to prioritize the protection of children from the severe consequences of climate change.

The signing ceremony, which took place at the Pakistan Pavilion during the COP29 global climate summit in Baku on Saturday, was witnessed by Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change.Pakistan, Azerbaijan pledge climate resilience

Aisha Humera Moriani, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, and the UNICEF Deputy Executive Director signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action.

In her remarks, Romina Khurshid Alam emphasized that improving access to education, healthcare, and nutrition in climate-affected regions, alongside investing in sustainable infrastructure to shield schools and communities from extreme weather events, is a top priority for the government.

Key representatives from both federal and provincial governments of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also pledged their commitment to working together to safeguard the rights and well-being of children affected by the climate crisis.

UNICEF, along with the federal and provincial governments, will collaborate to ensure that the rights and interests of children remain central in climate-related policies and investments.