Comsats observes Earth Day with MoCC

Islamabad : Comsats participated in ‘Planet vs. Plastic’ campaign, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to Greener Future, says a press release.

Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (Comsats) and the Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), Government of Pakistan, jointly organised an event titled ‘Pakistan’s Roadmap for Plastic Action’ to mark Earth Day 2024. The event featured the introduction of the Pakistan National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), a government initiative implemented as part of the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) under the auspices of the World Economic Forum.

Held at the Comsats Secretariat at Islamabad, the participants were unanimous in emphasising the critical need to combat plastic pollution for the well-being of both humanity and the environment. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation (CC&EC), graced the occasion as the chief guest. Ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats from Comsats member states and other countries in Islamabad also graced the event with their presence.

Romina emphasised Pakistan’s pressing issue with plastic pollution, especially in urban areas. Owing to these daunting challenges, Pakistan has taken proactive steps, such as banning single-use plastics and polythene bags in 2019, to mitigate plastic waste generation. She stressed the importance of global cooperation in combating plastic pollution, citing initiatives like the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) led by the World Economic Forum and UNEP.

Additionally, she highlighted Government of Pakistan’s commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation through policies like the National Adaptation Plan and initiatives such as the Living Indus Initiative, Recharge Pakistan, and GLOF-II, which aim to enhance climate resilience and protect vulnerable sectors of the economy and ecosystems. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dr. Nafees Zakaria, the Executive Director, Comsats Headquarters, underscored the necessity of a cohesive global strategy to address the issue of plastic waste, emphasizing the importance of not solely focusing on its sources. Dr. Zakaria highlighted that while enacting legislation and policy measures are commendable steps, the true challenge lies in their execution amidst resistance from pressure and interest groups. He pointed out that our planet is not only grappling with plastic-related pollution but also facing a myriad of other man-made hazards contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.

Of particular concern is the often-overlooked impact of military activities and motivated imposed wars, which have yet to be addressed in international conventions and protocols. Dr. Zakaria stressed the urgent need for initiatives and innovations, supported by scientific solutions, from advocates for our planet Earth. Addressing the Occasion, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov expressed hope that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan will inject new momentum into climate action and international collaboration, furthering the objectives of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.