Moot discusses steps to address climate disasters

Public, private organisations aim to collaborate on sustainable solutions

ISLAMABAD:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF) co-hosted the "Pakistan's Humanitarian Future 2025" event with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

The session was a gathering aimed at addressing the country's preparedness and response to the escalating impacts of climate change, associated humanitarian crises and developing way forward for future climate induced disasters.

Pakistan contributes less than one per cent to global greenhouse gases emissions yet ranks among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries worldwide. Increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters, including floods, droughts, heatwaves and cyclones, have underscored the urgent need for proactive disaster preparedness and response.

Reflecting on lessons learned from past crises such as the 2005 earthquake, the 2010 floods and the 2022 floods, the event brought together diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, local and international humanitarian agencies, academia, climate scientists and corporate leaders, to deliberate on strengthening Pakistan's resilience and response mechanisms.

In his opening remarks PHF Country Coordinator Shahid Kazmi highlighted the role of International Non-governmental Organisations (INGOs) in national development and humanitarian response in Pakistan over last two decades. He noted that recurring emergencies have left an enduring impact across various regions of the country, necessitating extensive rehabilitation and reconstruction.

The event featured a dynamic panel discussion with esteemed speakers, including NDMA Pakistan Member DRR Idrees Mahsud, NDRMF Manager DRR Mubushar Hussain, MERF CEO Dr Shah Miran, Unilever Head of Sustainability Fatima Arshad and IRC Emergency Director Mohammed Riyas. Key topics of discussion were central to the evolving role of disaster management, the critical need for climate finance, the potential of national NGOs as drivers of change and best practices and lessons learned from past humanitarian efforts.

Experts shared valuable insights into climate-induced challenges and emphasised fostering locally owned, effective responses through collaboration and innovation.