Summit urges stakeholders to play role in resource cycling

Islamabad:Speakers at the first ever Pakistan Sustainability Summit urged the stakeholders to ensure the conservation of Pakistan's ecosystems by strengthening environmental laws and enforcement. They urge the government to update and enforce environmental regulations, strengthen laws related to deforestation, pollution, wildlife protection, and natural resource extraction.

They said we need to enhance and strengthen regulatory bodies, and equip the institutions like the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), Capital Development Authority (CDA), EPAs, and provincial wildlife and environment authorities with greater enforcement powers and resources. They urge sustainable land-use practices, community-based forest management, involving local communities in protecting and managing forested areas to reduce deforestation and habitat destruction besides controlling the urban expansion.

Pakistan Sustainability Summit was organised by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) with the technical support of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) here Thursday. Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination was the chief guest of the closing session. Mushahid Hussain Sayed chaired the opening session.

Senator Sherry Rehman said that Pakistan Sustainability highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, especially given its disproportionate impact on developing countries. Pakistan needs to equip its communities and institutions to face the challenges of the day such as floods, droughts, and glacial melt. She has called for climate justice and demanded fair climate financing for countries like Pakistan, urging developed nations to fulfil their commitments under the Paris Agreement. She emphasizes the need for global financial support to help developing countries adapt to climate impacts and transition to greener economies.

Senator Sherry Rehman said that Pakistan has spearheaded several policy initiatives in Pakistan to mitigate the effects of climate change, but implementation remains very low at the grassroot level, especially to promote climate-resilient agriculture, water conservation efforts, and transitioning to clean energy sources.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed termed the event first step towards the long journey of mainstreaming of sustainability concepts. Pakistan is going through the ‘climate emergency’, especially following the devastating 2022 floods, which displaced millions and caused billions in damages. He called for a comprehensive response to the crisis, emphasizing the urgency of climate adaptation and disaster management.

Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed said that the sustainability regime is essential to ensure the responsible use of resources, protect the environment, and support long-term economic and social well-being. It addresses critical issues like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, promoting practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection, healthy ecosystems for wholesome life, and social injustices. As global environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss intensify, Pakistan faces an urgent need to transition toward sustainable development.