National Youth Consultation On Climate Action Kicks Off In Dera Ismail Khan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jul, 2025) A high-level youth consultation on climate action and policy development has commenced in Dera Ismail Khan, bringing together young leaders, climate experts, and key stakeholders to co-create inclusive strategies for environmental resilience in Pakistan.

The event is organized by BARGAD Organization for Youth Development, in collaboration with the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI) and the British Council. It features wide-ranging participation from youth representatives, parliamentarians, academics, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and environmental professionals from across the country.

Sabiha Shaheen, Executive Director of BARGAD, emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusive policymaking led by the voices of youth.

“Young people are not just future leaders — they are already agents of change. Through this consultation, we’re ensuring that voices from underserved and climate-vulnerable regions help shape national discourse and policy. Involving young people shouldn't just be for show — their participation should be a real part of the system.”

Saiqa Rani, Project Coordinator at Bargad, explained that the initiative aims to create an exclusive, youth-led space where grassroots perspectives can directly influence policy.

“This consultation focuses on local solutions to climate challenges. It’s not just a platform to raise concerns — it’s a step towards co-creating practical climate policies that reflect lived realities.”

The event brought together high-profile stakeholders, notable experts and advocates in attendance including Khadija, Commonwealth Youth Delegate; Dr. Sadaf Javeria, Associate Professor and climate expert from Gomal University; Prof. Dr. Rubina Naz, former Dean of Sciences at Gomal University; Muhammad Asif Kundi, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, KP Forest Department; and Muhammad Fazal Rehman, Public Relations Officer (PRO) to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sahar Sohail, PhD Scholar in Environmental Sciences and Chief Organiser of the Youth Consultation, highlighted the importance of evidence-based youth participation.

“This isn’t just another discussion — we are building a bridge between youth-led action and policy impact. Our generation is already responding to climate threats; now we need structural support to scale those solutions.”

Muhammad Fazal Rehman, PRO to the Governor KP, acknowledged the significance of youth-driven consultation processes. “This is a model for how youth, academia, and government can collaborate to shape practical, region-sensitive climate strategies. It’s vital that the outcomes of such events are mainstreamed into national planning.”

Iqbal Haider Butt, a leading youth development expert and CEO of Youthtube, called for institutionalizing youth roles in long-term climate action. “We must build platforms where young people lead the change. They have the passion and ideas — what’s needed is consistent support and access to decision-making.”

Participants echoed the need for authentic, locally relevant engagement.

Rija Zahra Zaidi, a young climate advocate, remarked: “Youth involvement should be more than symbolic. We must be part of real planning, implementation, and monitoring.”

Karar Syed added: “Each region of Pakistan faces unique climate impacts. Youth must drive community-based, localized solutions rooted in their own realities.”

Experts at the event said it's important to give young people knowledge about climate change, funding to support their ideas, and chances to lead.

“Young people are already coming up with smart solutions for climate problems. Now we need systems that help grow these ideas, repeat them in other places, and include them in official policies,” one expert said.

This consultation is part of a broader national initiative under PYLI, aimed at strengthening youth capacities, advancing policy dialogue, and identifying actionable pathways for climate resilience across Pakistan.