Breathe Pakistan climate conference opens in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The second edition of The Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference began in Islamabad on Tuesday, bringing together policymakers, experts and stakeholders from different sectors to discuss climate-related challenges and possible responses.

According to the organisers, the two-day event is being held at the Sheesh Mahal Hall of Serena Hotel, Islamabad. Proceedings opened with the national anthem and the recitation of the Holy Quran.

Dawn Media is organising the conference. The event is focused on Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities and the need for coordinated responses that are rooted in local realities while also informed by global developments.

The organisers said Pakistan contributes only a small share to global emissions but remains among the countries most exposed to climate risks. They said this underlined the importance of a coordinated approach to climate action.

Opening remarks

Dawn CEO Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani delivered the opening remarks at the conference and said the platform had developed into an important forum for engagement on climate issues.

In her address, she said the conference had been launched with the understanding that climate change was no longer a distant concern. "When we first convened this platform in 2025, we did so with a clear belief that climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is not a conversation for tomorrow. It is a lived reality for Pakistan, for South Asia, and for millions across the globe. Today, as we gather again, that reality has only intensified," she added,

The conference is set to continue over two days, with participants examining a range of interconnected issues linked to climate change and discussing the way forward.

According to the organisers, the first edition of Breathe Pakistan had helped generate national discussion and international collaboration on major climate issues. These included climate justice, climate finance, transitions to renewable energy, disaster risk reduction and inclusive public-private partnerships.

The second edition is intended to build on those discussions by convening decision-makers and specialists from across sectors in one forum. The organisers said the conference would examine intersecting challenges and seek to chart a path forward.

A full agenda for the conference has also been made available by the organisers.