LAHORE: Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik on Saturday called on the international community to treat the global climate crisis not merely as an environmental challenge, but as a failure of global cooperation and justice, highlighting the disproportionate impact on developing countries like Pakistan.
Addressing a session titled “From Lab to World Stage: The Power of Science Diplomacy” on the second day of ThinkFest 2026 at the Alhamra Arts Council, Dr Malik emphasized the role of scientific diplomacy as a bridge between nations, enabling collaborative research and global projects despite political differences. “Science is the only language that remains universal,” he said.
Dr Malik highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, noting that the country contributes less than 1 percent of global carbon emissions, yet remains among the most affected by climate-related disasters, including floods, heatwaves, and glacial lake outbursts. He stressed that for developing nations, international scientific cooperation is a necessity for survival rather than a luxury.
The minister also raised concerns about global accountability, pointing out the imbalance between financial profits and environmental costs. “It is fundamentally wrong for profit to be privatized by the few while the climatic consequences are socialized among the many,” he said, urging the creation of mechanisms to hold high-emitting countries financially accountable for their contributions to the climate crisis.
Dr Malik’s remarks were warmly received by participants, which included scholars, policymakers, journalists, artists, and climate activists from Pakistan and abroad, positioning Pakistan as a strong advocate for climate justice on the international stage.
ThinkFest 2026, running from January 23 to 25 at Alhamra, The Mall, aims to foster dialogue on pressing national and global issues, offering a platform for debates and discussions with free entry to encourage public participation.
The federal minister concluded by urging nations to reshape global climate policies based on data, ethics, and equity, emphasizing that only a fair and inclusive approach can prevent further damage to vulnerable communities worldwide.
