Team Europe launches ambitious climate initiative in Punjab

By Our Correspondent

December 14, 2023

Islamabad: In a ground-breaking move, the European Union (EU) and its partners, Germany, France, and Italy, have joined forces with the Government of Pakistan to address urgent climate challenges in Punjab.

Signing a strategic agreement under the 'Building Back Better through Green Jobs Creation' initiative, the EU and the Agence Française de Développement (AfD) are set to allocate €179 million to combat water and sanitation service delivery issues in Faisalabad and Lahore.

This image shows officials of Pakistan, the EU and France during the signing of a strategic agreement under the Building Back Better through Green Jobs Creation initiative on December 13, 2023. — Facebook/European Union in Pakistan — This image shows officials of Pakistan, the EU and France during the signing of a strategic agreement under the 'Building Back Better through Green Jobs Creation' initiative on December 13, 2023. — Facebook/European Union in Pakistan

The collaborative effort, named 'Punjab Urban Water and Wastewater Governance and Services Improvement,' spans six years and combines EU grants with a soft loan from the AfD. EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka emphasized the significance of Punjab, contributing

54% to Pakistan's GDP, and underscored the EU's commitment to supporting green inclusive growth and climate resilience.

Notably, the project targets a significant impact, aiming to install 200 kilometres of new water supply pipes, provide 55,000 new connections, enhance capacities, and increase water treatment capacity by 135,000 cubic meters per day. The initiative's focus on bolstering urban water governance aligns with the shared commitment of the Government of Pakistan and Team Europe towards sustainable development.

French Ambassador's representative highlighted France's dedication to combating climate change, citing the country's commitment to directing 97% of AFD financing towards climate-related endeavours. The partnership with the EU on water and sanitation signifies a crucial step in mobilizing expertise for climate-resilient solutions.

This joint intervention, witnessed by prominent ambassadors, symbolizes a pivotal stride towards sustainable development, marking a united front in building climate resilience and ensuring a better quality of life for the residents and businesses of Faisalabad and Lahore. The €179 million investment reflects Team Europe's dedication to fostering international collaboration for a greener, more resilient future.