KARACHI: The Youth Convention on Climate Change, organized by Obun2 in partnership with Terre des Hommes and other civil society groups, underscored the pressing need for climate action focused on children. The two-day event, held at the Beach Luxury Hotel, brought together youth leaders, climate activists, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the alarming impacts of climate change on Pakistan’s children, particularly in the wake of the devastating 2022 floods.
The convention was based on the landmark report, The Impact of Climate Change on Children in Pakistan, authored by researcher Javeria Khan. The report highlighted the dire consequences of climate change, such as the destruction of schools, increased child marriages, and the exposure of millions of children to toxic air. It noted that in 2019, over 150,000 child deaths were linked to air pollution, while the 2022 floods affected 33 million people, half of them children.
Qindeel Shujaat, Executive Director of Obun2, stressed the urgency of addressing these issues, stating, “These numbers are not just statistics. They represent lives disrupted, futures derailed, and rights denied.” She called for immediate action to create a future where every child is safe, educated, and empowered to combat climate change.
During the convention, participants emphasized the pivotal role of youth in driving climate action. Terre des Hommes Country Head Salam Dharejo expressed support for youth leadership in the climate movement, while Mehran Ali Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, highlighted the urgent need for youth-led solutions to combat climate inaction.
The event also featured discussions on key policy recommendations, including the establishment of a Child Climate Fund, investment in climate-resilient schools, and the inclusion of climate education in national curricula. The youth-led panels and interactive sessions demonstrated the creative ideas of young people, ranging from clean energy solutions to community-based adaptation strategies.
The convention concluded with a call for immediate government action to implement the report’s recommendations, urging policymakers to integrate these strategies into Pakistan’s national climate policies and education systems. Obun2 distributed the report to stakeholders, aiming to accelerate climate resilience for Pakistan’s children and future generations.
