The Provincial Youth Climate Conclave 2025 was held at Government College University (GCU) Lahore on Wednesday to prepare youth for COP30, scheduled in Brazil in November 2025, and to encourage their participation in climate action, sustainability, and environmental policy.

Speakers at the breakout sessions on Just Transition & Decarbonization, Climate Finance, and Loss and Damage Fund noted Pakistan’s vulnerability despite contributing less than 1% to global emissions, and called for climate justice, fair financing, and stronger international collaboration. Proposals discussed included large-scale tree planting, carbon markets, green jobs, and funding for climate education in Global South countries.

Addressing the event, GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhry referred to losses and damages from the 2025 floods, including health and infrastructure costs. He underscored the role of academia in climate awareness and noted GCU’s sustainability measures, including rainwater harvesting, recycling, and campus solarization.

Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab, outlined provincial climate challenges and the need for sustainable development.

PMYP Special Representative Rizwan Anwar spoke about youth leadership in green innovation and the role of programmes such as the Green Youth Movement in enabling students nationwide.

Hafsa Rizwan from UNICEF highlighted disproportionate climate impacts in regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting the particular risks to children. Muhammad Bilal from Youth for Climate emphasized youth-led initiatives in tree planting, decarbonization, and climate education.

Delegates examined Global North–Global South perspectives, discussing fair trade rules, timely financial assistance, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR). A total of 18 candidates were shortlisted from the provincial conclave.

The event was hosted by the GCU Environment Protection Society and Sustainable Development Study Centre in collaboration with UNICEF, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, the Government of the Punjab, and Youth for Climate. Following a competitive selection, participants from across Punjab joined the conclave, with a near-balanced gender mix (48% women, 52% men).