Islamabad:Marking World Environment Day 2026, environmental experts, policymakers, academics and civil society representatives gathered in Islamabad on Tuesday to underline the urgent need for collective action against climate change, environmental degradation and the unsustainable use of natural resources, warning that Pakistan’s future prosperity depends on the choices made today, says a press release.
The panel discussion, organised jointly by the Shaheed Bhutto Foundation, Dr Akhtar Hameed Khan Memorial Association (AHKMA), National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) and Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) at SZABIST University Islamabad, was held under the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
The event aimed to raise awareness among youth, academia, policymakers and communities about pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and waste management, while encouraging sustainable lifestyles and responsible practices that strengthen climate resilience and environmental protection.
Participants emphasised the importance of dialogue and knowledge-sharing among government institutions, educational organisations, environmental experts and civil society, with a particular focus on inspiring youth leadership, expanding community participation and promoting innovative solutions in cleaner production, renewable energy, resource efficiency and circular economy practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Executive of AHKMA Sumaira Gul said environmental protection was no longer a policy choice but a national necessity.“Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions. We must adopt sustainable practices and strengthen environmental governance to secure a safer future for our children,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Shaheed Bhutto Foundation Asif Khan said the younger generation must be empowered to become agents of environmental change and equipped to lead conservation efforts within their communities.
Director of Pak-EPA Dr Mohsina highlighted the importance of stronger regulatory frameworks and greater public participation in environmental conservation.Engineer Salman Sheikh, Coordinator of NCPC, Dr Arshad Nawaz Chaudhry of Pir Mehr Ali Shah University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Dr Sofia Khalid from AIOU and Dr Noor Fatima from IIUI, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships across public, private, academic and community sectors to promote tree plantation, waste reduction, water conservation, clean energy and sustainable practices for a greener, climate-resilient Pakistan.
