MoU signed between Pakistan, UNICEF to protect children from climate risks

Pakistan and UNICEF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at prioritising the protection of children from the severe effects of climate change.

The MoU was signed during the COP29 global climate conference in Baku on Saturday, with Prime Minister's Coordinator on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam witnessing the ceremony at the Pakistan Pavilion.

Ministry of Climate Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director also signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, affirming their commitment to collaborative efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on the younger population.

Speaking at the event, Alam highlighted the government’s focus on enhancing access to essential services such as education, health, and nutrition in climate-affected regions. She emphasised the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure to protect schools and communities from extreme weather events, stressing that this remains a top priority for the government.

Representatives from the federal and provincial governments of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa also pledged their support, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the rights and interests of children affected by the climate crisis.

Under the MoU, UNICEF will work with federal and provincial governments to ensure that children's rights are central to climate action and future investments.