The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination of Pakistan has partnered with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) to enhance sustainable socio-economic development in vulnerable rural areas, particularly in the coastal regions of Sindh and the mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This collaboration was formalized through a Letter of Understanding (LoU) signed on January 3, 2025, aimed at improving livelihood security and building climate resilience in these regions.
The initiative will target rural communities facing significant climate-related challenges such as extreme weather events, glacial melting, agricultural vulnerabilities, and water scarcity. The partnership aims to implement climate-smart solutions in agriculture and resource management.
The agreement seeks to bolster Pakistan’s efforts in promoting inclusive and climate-resilient socio-economic development. It emphasizes knowledge sharing, capacity building, policy support, and joint resource mobilization to address the pressing impacts of climate change.
Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, stated that this partnership represents a crucial step towards addressing climate vulnerabilities and fostering sustainable livelihoods for communities most affected by climate change. She highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving Pakistan’s climate and development goals.
Amin Feerasta, Chairman of AKF, expressed gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing that environmental stewardship is a core priority for AKF and its network.
Expected Outcomes
The collaboration is anticipated to lead to:
- Development of targeted interventions to mitigate adverse effects from climate change.
- Enhanced community resilience through technical support and implementation of community-based projects.
- Promotion of sustainable practices that protect ecosystems while improving local livelihoods.
This partnership not only addresses immediate climate challenges but also aims to create long-term strategies for sustainable development in some of Pakistan’s most vulnerable regions.