Second day of Breathe Pakistan climate conference begins in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The second day of the second edition of the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference began in Islamabad on Wednesday, with policymakers, experts and stakeholders continuing discussions on climate-related challenges facing Pakistan.

The two-day conference, organised by DawnMedia, has brought together participants from different sectors to examine linked climate issues and discuss possible ways forward. According to the event overview, Pakistan contributes only a small share to global emissions but remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, highlighting the need for responses that are both locally rooted and informed by global developments.

On the opening day, the conference featured federal ministers, government officials, business leaders, and experts from the agriculture and water sectors, who shared their views on how to address the climate crisis.

Session on Global South collaboration begins

According to the conference proceedings, the seventh session of the event began at 9:50am. The session is titled "Collaboration of the Global South Towards Climate Action".

Earlier, at 9:46am, the second day’s proceedings formally got underway in Islamabad.

IFAD official highlights Pakistan’s exposure

Speaking during the conference, Anupa Rimal Lamichhane, the International Fund for Agricultural Development lead for regional climate change, said Pakistan was on the frontline of climate change.

"Agriculture contributes 23pc to GDP," she said, while stressing the central role of the sector in the country’s economy and climate response.

Lamichhane said agri-food systems and farmers were not only among those affected by climate change, but also formed an important part of the response to it. "Yet, globally, only 0.8pc of climate financing reaches farmers," she said.

The conference is focused on bringing together a range of stakeholders to discuss intersecting climate pressures and identify a path ahead. The event’s framing has underscored the urgency of coordinated action in a country that faces high climate vulnerability despite its limited contribution to global emissions.

The Breathe Pakistan conference is in its second edition and is being held over two days in Islamabad. Discussions during the event have centred on climate risk, policy responses and sector-specific challenges, with agriculture among the key themes raised during the proceedings.

Participants at the conference are continuing deliberations through multiple sessions scheduled for the day, as the event seeks to connect policy, expertise and stakeholder input on climate action.