Empowering youth for climate resilience in AJK

Islamabad:Speakers at Youth Climate Resilience Workshop emphasied the crucial role of youth engagement in climate adaptation, mitigation and fostering innovative approaches to enhance AJK’s climate resilience.

The workshop was hosted here by Centre for Peace, Development, and Reforms (CPDR). It featured interactive discussions and expert-led sessions facilitating participants to explore and discuss solutions to address climate vulnerabilities in their communities. Speakers and experts stressed the urgency of building adaptive capacities among young leaders to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in AJK, a region highly susceptible to extreme weather events glacial melting, and environmental degradation.

Dr Shaheen Akhtar, HoD, IR Department, National Defense University (NDU), highlighted the need for youth participation in nature-based solutions, disaster preparedness, and ecosystem restoration initiatives. She stressed that young people are not just stakeholders but key drivers of meaningful climate action.

Sher Shah Khan Bangash, CEO, Skillistan, discussed global climate challenges and the role of youth in shaping climate resilience policies. He emphasised the importance of youth-driven advocacy and community-based action in combating climate threats urging young leaders to take an active role in addressing environmental challenges.

Empowering young climate leaders emerged as a central theme with an emphasis on capacity-building programmes that equip youth with the knowledge, skills and resources to lead climate action in Azad Kashmir. Policy advocacy was another major takeaway with experts and participants calling for greater youth representation in environmental decision-making processes at both governmental and non-governmental levels. Additionally, the workshop underscored the importance of community-based action, highlighting how youth-led grassroots movements can play a vital role in enhancing climate resilience, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

The event reinforced the need for a collaborative, youth-centred approach to climate resilience with participants leaving motivated to take concrete steps toward a sustainable future.

In his closing remarks, Irtaza Muhammad, Director Programmes, CPDR said that youth are at the forefront of the climate crisis and their active participation is key to driving sustainable solutions.