November 13, 2024 – Islamabad: The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) inaugurated its sideline events at the ongoing 29th UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP29) with a dynamic panel discussion titled “Global Youth Leadership in Climate Action.” Organized in collaboration with Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), the event took place at the Pakistan Pavilion in the Blue Zone on Day 3 of COP29.
The panel discussion featured opening remarks by H.E. Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, followed by an address by Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS.
The event brought together young climate leaders from across the globe, including Benin, Chile, India, Jordan, Liberia, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, showcasing innovative perspectives on climate action through diverse cultural and regional lenses. The panel session was co-moderated by Ms. Emaan Danish Khan, Pakistan’s youngest climate actionist and eco-preneur, and Mr. Genaro Matías Godoy, Youth Negotiator for COP29 from Chile.
Notable contributions were made by panelists, Mr. Dossiya Dakou (Benin), Ms. Gunjan Nanda (India), Mr. Ghazi Sharqawi (Jordan), Mr. Peace M. Karnkeh (Liberia), and Ms. Serena B. (UK). Moreover, the young representatives from the HEY Campaign, Plant for the Planet, Care about Climate, and the Youth for Climate were also present in the second round of panel discussion.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Ms. Romina emphasized that the South Asian region, home to a vibrant, diverse, and rapidly expanding youth population, represents a powerful catalyst for accelerating climate action and achieving sustainable development goals. She further stated that addressing climate crises requires a holistic and broader approach, along with innovative solutions, and called for leveraging the creativity, energy, determination, and momentum of young people to drive meaningful environmental protection efforts.
Ambassador Dr. Zakaria emphasized the urgent need for inclusive and decisive climate action, highlighting the significant role of the youth, particularly in the Global South, where 850 million young people reside in COMSATS’ 27 member states. He underlined that these digitally savvy and innovative young minds can be catalysts for social growth, economic prosperity, and environmental protection if equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities. Citing the devastating impacts of climate change, including floods, hurricanes, and wildfires worldwide, he called for immediate action beyond pledges. COMSATS, through its network of 25 S&T and R&D Centres of Excellence, is committed to supporting youth through joint research, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring they are empowered to lead meaningful climate action.
COMSATS, in collaboration with its international partners, Focal Points, and Centres of Excellence, has organized 13 sideline events during COP29 at the pavilions of UNFCCC, Pakistan, and Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). Additionally, the COMSATS delegation, led by its Executive Director, Ambassador Zakaria, is representing the Commission in its capacity as an observer Intergovernmental Organization of the UNFCCC. Alongside hosting the sideline events, Ambassador Zakaria was engaged with foreign delegates in Baku to promote and advance COMSATS’ agenda of fostering science and technology in the Global South for sustainable development through South-South and triangular cooperation.
