ISLAMABAD: British and Pakistani officials met on Tuesday to review the Green Compact, a £35 million ($46.8 million) bilateral climate cooperation program aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s ability to withstand climate impacts.
According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott met with Pakistan's Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik.
The British high commissioner presented an action plan outlining the framework's priorities and areas for collaboration between the two nations. The climate minister said the partnership must focus on producing concrete results that benefit ordinary Pakistanis.
The two officials discussed several climate initiatives underway. The minister said that Pakistan was working toward establishing a “Green University” in Islamabad, with support from international partners, including Italy and members of the Arctic Circle initiative.
The country is also launching a “Green Tech Hub” at the National University of Sciences and Technology. The hub will provide resources to young entrepreneurs developing green technologies and sustainable business models.
Dr Malik said investing in young people through entrepreneurship, research, and innovation was critical to solving Pakistan's environmental and climate challenges.
Meanwhile, Jane Marriott highlighted Britain's youth entrepreneurship programs and existing climate resilience projects in Pakistan, delivered through the British High Commission, that focus on green solutions.
The officials also reviewed ways to improve early warning systems for climate disasters and strengthen the country's preparedness for extreme weather events.
