Canada to work with Pakistan to build sustainable, equitable future: envoy

Islamabad: Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Leslie Scanlon on Monday voiced Ottawa’s commitment to working with Islamabad to build a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.

“Whether it’s promoting socioeconomic inclusion, empowering youth, women, and girls in all their diversity, or supporting climate resilience for those on the frontlines of the climate crisis, we [Canada] are committed to working with Pakistan to help build a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future,” the envoy told a ‘Strategic Dialogue on Strengthening Indigenous Communities: Empowerment through Climate Action, Inclusion, and Gender Parity’ here.

The event, jointly hosted by the High Commission of Canada and hosted by Serena Hotels, brought together government representatives and leaders from civil society organisations working to support socioeconomic inclusion and empowerment of local communities and marginalised groups in Pakistan.

The Canadian high commissioner said the dialogue, with the participation of Pakistani leaders, who were working to support local communities, highlighted the importance of collective policies, actions, and partnerships to support local communities’ unique needs

She said Canada was working both at home and around the world to advance reconciliation and promote engagement with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.

“This involves listening to, learning from, and working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada, as well as with local communities around the world, to address the unique challenges that these communities face.”

Ms Scanlon said the event, which was held on Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, was an opportunity for us to amplify the voices of Indigenous and marginalised communities, as well as leaders, here in Pakistan.

“Canada is built on the ancestral lands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and as we continue our reconciliation journey we are committed to applying a reconciliation lens across our diplomacy and global advocacy efforts,” she said.

Chairman of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and Serena Hotels CEO Aziz Boolani said the dialogue underlined his organisation’s commitment to advancing inclusive growth and ensuring that the impacts of climate change are addressed with the unique needs of these communities in mind.

“We believe that sustainability is not just an agenda, but a responsibility. By supporting indigenous communities, we can amplify their voices and experiences in shaping policies and solutions for climate resilience,” he said.

Mr Boolani said Serena Hotels, through its Public Diplomacy initiative, had long been committed to fostering meaningful dialogues on pressing global issues, with a particular focus on climate action, social inclusion, and the empowerment of marginalised communities.

He said the event was reflective of the organisation’s dedication to addressing the profound impact of climate change on indigenous communities, who were often on the frontlines of environmental challenges.

“By bringing together leaders, policymakers, and civil society, we and the High Commission of Canada aimed to contribute to a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of climate resilience and socioeconomic inclusion, ensuring that no community is left behind in the face of global environmental shifts,” he said.