The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) organized the 'Uniting for Climate Action' event, bringing together key stakeholders to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
The event was attended by Mrs. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator of the Prime Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, along with delegations from the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), Norwegian Red Cross, German Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent Society, and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
PRCS Chairperson Farzana Naek highlighted the organization's commitment to climate resilience, emphasizing that Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. "Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a pressing reality. PRCS has been at the forefront of disaster preparedness and climate resilience, addressing recurring floods, heatwaves, glacial melting, and droughts that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities," she stated.
She further explained that PRCS initiatives align with the IFRC Strategy 2030, prioritizing climate action as a core pillar of humanitarian response. Key PRCS efforts include:
Establishing the Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience (CACRA) Unit.
Running climate awareness and advocacy campaigns.
Implementing community engagement programs and youth-led climate actions.
Integrating Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI) frameworks, along with Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA), to maximize impact.
Call for Government Support
Chairperson Farzana Naek urged the Ministry of Climate Change to extend its full support to PRCS in implementing climate resilience programs nationwide. She called for:
1. PRCS's inclusion in National Climate Action Plans, leveraging its extensive volunteer network for climate initiatives.
2. Recognition of PRCS’s role in supporting government efforts and granting it representation in the Pakistan Climate Change Council.
3. Allocation of a specific budget for PRCS Climate Financing Programs from the recent IMF climate funding.
She also commended the Ministry of Climate Change for launching Pakistan’s first Climate Finance Strategy at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and requested post-COP29 findings to be shared with PRCS to strengthen future strategies.
Strengthening Partnerships for Climate Resilience
PRCS reaffirmed its collaboration with the German Red Cross, which has significantly contributed to capacity building, emergency response mechanisms, and climate action projects.
Farzana Naek emphasized that tackling climate change requires collective action, urging donors, humanitarian organizations, and movement partners to adopt a united response to reduce climate-induced vulnerabilities, displacement, and health crises.
She also acknowledged the efforts of PRCS staff, gardeners, and lower administrative personnel for their dedication to maintaining PRCS premises. Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Malik Shahzad Khan and CEO Muhammad Sabir Junagadh Wala Welfare Foundation for donating plants to beautify the PRCS headquarters.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable environmental initiatives across Pakistan.
