CM Maryam lauded as ‘climate change warrior’ by World Bank at COP-30

• Punjab CM meets WB’s Climate Change Group Director Valerie Hickey, invites her to visit Punjab
• Two leader discuss environmental sustainability, climate resilience in Punjab
• WB’s director invites CM to participate in Global Carbon Market, praising Maryam Nawaz as determined, creative, and courageous climate leader

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday met Valerie Hickey, Global Director of the World Bank’s Climate Change Group, on the sidelines of ongoing COP-30 Conference in Belem, Brazil, to discuss collaboration and policy initiatives on environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Punjab.

The meeting highlighted Punjab’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development, with both sides exploring avenues for cooperation in key sectors including Clean Punjab, Air Quality Index (AQI), transport, forestry, and wildlife conservation.

Valerie Hickey lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership and environmental vision, describing her as a “Climate Change Warrior” and a “Climate Leader.” She praised the Punjab government’s proactive initiatives and offered full support from the World Bank to advance the province’s climate programs.

The World Bank also invited Punjab to participate in the Global Carbon Market, signaling readiness to provide technical and financial assistance for ongoing and future projects aimed at achieving environmental sustainability.

In a reciprocal gesture, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz invited Valerie Hickey to visit Punjab, an invitation which was graciously accepted. During the discussion, Ms. Hickey commended the chief minister’s impactful speech at COP-30, highlighting three key statements that resonated globally:

“COP-30 Conference should be remembered not as a gathering of words but as a pledge of purpose and commitment.”

“The Global South has emerged not as a voice of protest, but as a voice of purpose.”

“Environmental sustainability is not charity, it is justice.”

Ms. Hickey emphasized that Maryam Nawaz has emerged as a climate change warrior from South Asia, noting that as a woman chief minister she embodies determination, creativity, and courage in addressing climate challenges. She further highlighted that Punjab’s environmental initiatives reflect global leadership and a firm commitment to sustainability.

Reciprocating, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz thanked Ms. Hickey for her recognition and reaffirmed her dedication to making Punjab a model of environmental excellence not just regionally, but globally.

The meeting was attended by senior provincial leaders including Marriyum Aurangzeb, Rana Sikandar Hayat, Zeeshan Rafique, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chairman P&D Naeem Rauf, and DG EPA Imran Hamid, underlining the government’s strong focus on climate action and sustainable development.