Speakers highlight water, food security, climate issues

Islamabad: Speakers at three-day international conference on ‘Transformative Pathways for Water and Food Systems in Climate-Resilient Pakistan’ on Monday highlighted the critical challenges confronting Pakistan, positioning it among the top 10 climate-vulnerable nations.

Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and its partner organisations, organised the conference under the umbrella of Pakistan 2023, said a press release issued here.

Emphasising the gravity of the situation, they underscored that the country’s water resources are under immense strain, primarily attributed to the compounding factors of rapid urbanization, population growth, and escalating demands for energy and agriculture. 

These factors collectively contribute to the looming issues of water scarcity, inefficient utilisation, and a decline in water quality.

The plenary session speakers eloquently addressed the complex interplay between water and food insecurity, further exacerbated by climate-induced disasters. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the challenges, they emphasized the imperative for sustainable development initiatives that not only address the immediate concerns but also pave the way for a resilient and secure water future for Pakistan.

The conference commenced with an inaugural session featuring welcome remarks by Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Director (IWMI), and opening remarks by Dr. Claudia Ringler, Director (IFPRI). Dr. Mark Smith, Director (IWMI), delivered a keynote address, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in achieving water and food security in a climate-resilient Pakistan.

Federal Secretary Ministry of Water Resources, Syed Ali Murtaza as chief guest, sharing insightful perspectives on the government’s commitment to addressing the complex interplay of water, food, and climate challenges. Following the insightful inaugural session, the conference seamlessly transitioned into a plenary session, which featured distinguished representatives from prominent organizations including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, USAID, FCDO, Rural Development and Economic Cooperation, FAO, and UNICEF.

The final thematic discussion, "Technologies and Innovations: Responding to the Challenges of Water and Food Security," focused on cutting-edge technologies and innovations offering solutions to the complex challenges in Pakistan.