Orientation Session of Youth Climate Education & Fellowship Program 2025
Pakistan and the Climate Emergency: Empowering Youth with Climate Governance Solutions
Venue: University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore
Date: Thursday, May 08, 2025

Transparency International Pakistan formally kicked off The Youth Climate Education & Fellowship Program 2025 with an inspiring orientation session at University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, marking the beginning of an exciting journey toward climate action and leadership.

Held on Thursday, May 08, 2025, the orientation session of the fellowship program, themed “Pakistan and the Climate Emergency: Empowering Youth with Climate Governance Solutions,” aimed to equip young leaders with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in climate governance and promote transparency in climate action. A total of 40 students from various departments of UET Lahore have been selected for this prestigious fellowship program.

The event formally started with recitation of Holy Quran, followed by welcoming remarks, delivered by Dr. Izzat Iqbal Cheema, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical, Polymer and Composite Materials Engineering, UET Lahore. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the selected fellows, acknowledging their hard work, passion, and commitment to making a difference. Dr. Cheema emphasized that their selection was a testament to their potential as future leaders in the fight against climate change, and he encouraged them to embrace this unique opportunity to develop their skills, contribute to climate governance, and drive transparency in climate action for a sustainable and resilient Pakistan.

Next, Ms. Nasreen Memon, Project Coordinator at Transparency International Pakistan, took the stage to provide an insightful introduction to the Youth Climate Education & Fellowship Program. She elaborated on the program’s objectives, emphasizing the pivotal role of the fellows in promoting climate awareness and driving meaningful action. Ms. Memon outlined that the fellowship would equip the selected participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively engage in climate governance, promote transparency in climate action, and become ambassadors of sustainable change within their communities and beyond.

Moving forward, a video was presented to the fellows. The video provided an in-depth overview of climate change, explaining how it refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Following the video, Ms. Fariha Fatima, Programme and Procurement Associate, TI Pakistan, engaged the fellows by asking thought-provoking questions related to the content of the video, encouraging them to reflect on its key messages and implications.

In the next interactive session, titled “Understanding Climate Change – Key Terms and Narratives”, the fellows had the opportunity to explore essential climate change terminology through a reading activity. The key terms covered included Mitigation, Adaptation, Urban Heat Island Effect, Bioenergy, Desertification, Fossil Fuels, Renewable Energy, and Carbon Footprint. This was followed by a guided presentation that helped them connect the dots between these key terms and their implications. The session aimed to build the fellows’ climate literacy and deepen their understanding of the complex issues related to climate change, preparing them to engage effectively in climate governance and advocacy.

The session also introduced the concept of climate governance in Pakistan, highlighting how various institutions, policies, and actors work together to plan and implement climate action at both the federal and provincial levels. Fellows gained insights into how climate decisions are made, who is responsible at various levels of government, and why transparency, accountability, and coordination are critical for building a climate-resilient future.

Next, Ms. Nazifa Butt, Director of Climate Action & Sustainability, WWF Pakistan delivered an impactful keynote address, shedding light on the climate emergency in Pakistan and emphasizing the urgent need for action to address its growing challenges. She shared her valuable experiences and emphasized that achieving meaningful progress in combating climate change requires a shift in behavior at all levels of society. She highlighted the issue of littering in tourist destinations, stressing the environmental damage caused by the irresponsible disposal of garbage. Ms. Butt pointed out that the growing problem of waste accumulation not only harms local ecosystems but also undermines the beauty and sustainability of these sites for future generations.

Ms. Nazifa said that Pakistan faces some of the most severe climate challenges in the world, including frequent floods, and extreme heatwaves. These events not only threaten the livelihoods of millions but also exacerbate existing socio-economic inequalities. She stressed the importance of strengthening climate resilience through better policies, community engagement, and sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of these climate crises in Pakistan.

Following the keynote address, the fellows were engaged in a fun and interactive activity titled “Bounce Your Role: Keep Your Climate Commitment in the Air.” In this session, participants reflected on their individual roles in combating climate change and made personal climate commitments. They wrote their pledges, symbolizing their dedication to taking action. As the balloons were kept in the air, the activity emphasized the importance of sustaining these commitments and encouraged a collective sense of responsibility, for a climate-conscious future.

The final part of the session was the “Climate Knowledge Review”, where the fellows had the chance to reflect on everything they had learned throughout the day. This interactive quiz tested their knowledge of the key concepts discussed and allowed them to revisit the important lessons on climate change, governance, and sustainable action.

Towards the end of the session, Prof. Dr. Hafiz Zaheer Aslam, Chairman, Department of Chemical Engineering, UET Lahore, delivered the closing remarks. He emphasized the critical need for climate education, highlighting its importance in equipping young minds with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the climate crisis. Dr. Aslam underscored the role of the youth in shaping a sustainable future and called on the fellows to take proactive steps in advocating for climate action. He encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained through the fellowship program to not only contribute to climate governance but also inspire others to join the fight against climate change.