Peshawar – Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, has emphasized that climate change is not just a global concern but also a pressing local issue that requires immediate and focused attention. He stated that climate change is not merely a scientific problem, but also a social, economic, and ethical challenge, and that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently among the regions most affected by its adverse impacts. The province is facing severe weather patterns, rapid glacial melting, destructive floods, and forest fires.
The Governor expressed these views while addressing a significant climate change conference as the chief guest on Monday at the Governor’s House in Peshawar. The conference was organized by the National Youth Climate Change Council (NYCCC) and attended by NYCCC CEO Muhammad Umair Mufakkir, NDRMF CEO Bilal Anwar, UNICEF Pakistan’s Climate Officer Ms. Javeria, along with environmental experts and a large number of youth participants.
Governor Kundi welcomed the participants and lauded the organization of such events aimed at addressing the challenges posed by climate change. He noted that conferences like these serve as effective platforms for research, dialogue, and collective action. He stressed that climate change is not just an environmental threat but a serious challenge to the socio-economic fabric of society.
He urged the adoption of a comprehensive and integrated strategy to tackle climate issues, including sustainable development planning, transition to clean and renewable energy, improved disaster risk management systems, and above all, mass public awareness.
The Governor underscored the importance of listening to the voices of those communities that are most affected by climate change. He called on the youth—whom he described as the nation’s valuable asset—to take an active role in environmental initiatives, lead awareness campaigns, and contribute to policy-making through their knowledge and research.
He stated that climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, but also presents an opportunity to move toward a sustainable, green, and secure future through collective will and action.
At the conclusion of the event, the Governor distributed commemorative shields among the participants and appreciated the contributions of all involved organizations. The attendees hailed the conference as informative, purposeful, and a vital step toward shaping a better future.
