APWA at COP 29: Promoting Sustainability in Pakistan
The COP (Conference of Parties) is an event dedicated to addressing climate change issues. It is organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) every year. It provides a platform for nations to discuss and strategize policies to combat climate change. This year, COP 29 was held in Baku, Azerbaijan between November 11th and November 22nd, 2024. It hosted about 198 parties that focused particularly on global warming and its socioeconomic impacts. Representatives of the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) actively participated in the forum assessing and negotiating the discourse of action for climate welfare.
Youth in Climate Action
APWA has always been committed to promoting sustainability in Pakistan through impactful climate action and sustainable development initiatives. Over the years, we have initiated multiple community-based programs such as water conservation, recycling, and workshops on eco-friendly practices for rural communities. Similar to one of COP 29’s goals, we promote accessibility of sustainable options to all, regardless of social strata or standing. These programs have laid the foundation for APWA’s presence at COP ‘29. With this obligation, Miss Aniqa Adil, the youth secretary at APWA attended this event and participated in panels focusing on youth-led climate initiatives, sharing APWA’s contribution to sustainable initiatives and community resilience in Pakistan. Miss Aniqa’s presence, per her position, showed how important it is for APWA to empower their youth to take the lead in climate advocacy. Throughout the event duration, Miss Aniqa actively engaged in different discussions, sharing relevant perspectives and experiences from Pakistan.
APWA’s climate initiatives
She discussed APWA’s climate efforts, including initiatives for addressing the climate issues in Pakistan and fostering in youth a sense of responsibility towards their environment. They lead eco-friendly projects such as tree plantation, waste reduction, and energy conservation. All the awareness campaigns were discussed, along the future milestones that are yet to be reached were set. Miss Aniqa advocated for the involvement and education of youth regarding environmental issues in each area for the proper sense to be cultivated in generations to come.
Paving a way forward
Participation in this event not only allowed APWA to be a part of crucial global discussions and collectively pave a path forward but also forge connections and potential future partnerships. It was a chance to exchange innovative ideas and pledge to adopt these approaches in the projects ahead.
With COP 29’s ending, APWA reaffirmed its commitment to green initiatives, employing more innovative approaches, fostering climate education, and addressing global climate change through partnerships with institutions. The insight gained from this event will help us in combating climate challenges steadfastly and piloting even more eco-friendly infrastructure projects. We plan on expanding our tree plantation drives to urban areas, introducing solar energy systems where possible, and integrating climate education into school curriculums. Our efforts in influencing climate policies and empowering our youth to create sustainable futures for themselves are as optimistic as ever and together, we will work to see a greener Pakistan for all.
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