The National Climate Change policy was launched today by the Government of Pakistan. The policy provides a framework to address the issues Pakistan faces vis-à-vis the phenomenon of climate change. It lays down policy measures for mitigation as well as adaptation for sectors including energy, transport, agriculture and livestock, industries, forestry, water resources, biodiversity, ecosystems with cross cutting themes of disaster risk reduction, human security and gender. It was developed by the Ministry of Climate Change with a wide range of stakeholders and the support of the One UN Joint Programme on Environment supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rana Mohammad Farooq Saeed Khan, Federal Minister for Climate Change, said, “The National Climate Change policy takes into account risks and vulnerabilities of various development sectors with specific emphasis on water, food, energy, national security issues and provides strategic guidance in the form of appropriate mitigation and adaptation interventions.” He further added that in order to implement the policy at the provincial level, his ministry would make utmost effort to strengthen the provincial environment departments in carrying out additional functions devolved to them under the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Mr. Marc-André Franche, Country Director UNDP Pakistan, congratulated the Government of Pakistan on the launch of the policy and said, “Pakistan is among the most vulnerable countries facing climate risks and mechanisms need to be devised for greener, more resilient options for growth and sustainable development. UNDP is pleased to have been part of the process which culminated in the approval of this very important policy by the Federal Cabinet last year. I hope the policy will help key stakeholders in identifying capacities and skills for the successful implementation of the policy.”
He emphasized UNDP’s commitment for working at the national, provincial and community levels to support the effective implementation of the policy and in particular to strengthen capacities to mitigate risks related to climate change and develop effective programme and policy options helping people build sustainable livelihoods.
Other notable speakers included Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, DG (Environment) Ministry of Climate Change, Mr. Mujtaba Hussain, Deputy Secretary Ministry of Climate Change, Mr. Mohiuddin Marri, member (Infrastructure) Planning Commission of Pakistan and Mr. Mian Ijaz, Joint Secretary/National Programme Director One UN Joint Programme on Environment Ministry of Climate Change. This was followed by a question and answer session with the audience.
The event was attended by government officials, representatives of academia, media, civil society, development partners and UN agencies.
For further information and media assistance, please contact, Fatimah Inayet, Communications Analyst, Communication Unit, UNDP.
4th Floor, Serena Business Complex, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8255650 or Email: fatimah.inayet@undp.org