UNICEF has appointed 14-year-old Zunaira Qayyum Baloch from Hub, Balochistan, as its Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls’ Empowerment in Pakistan.
The announcement was made at the Dawn Media Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference. Zunaira has been a strong advocate for climate action and child rights, representing Pakistan’s youth at national and international platforms, including COP29.
Her notable achievements include winning the UNICEF Policy Research Challenge in 2023 for her research on the impacts of climate change-induced floods on girls’ secondary education in Hub, Balochistan. She has also trained adolescents in her hometown using UNICEF’s Youth Advocacy Guide, focusing on advocacy, policy engagement, research, and campaign building.
Zunaira expressed her commitment to championing children’s rights and well-being, emphasizing the importance of listening to youth voices in decision-making processes. Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, praised her appointment as a source of hope and inspiration amid the severe challenges posed by climate change in Pakistan, which has disrupted education for millions of children.