Climate change: UNICEF appoints Pakistan's Zunaira Qayyum for key role
Pakistan
'I am honoured to join UNICEF Pakistan as a Youth Advocate to champion children's rights'
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – A young Pakistani, Zunaira Qayyum, has been appointed UNICEF’s Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls' Empowerment.
Zunaira, 14, who hails from Balochistan, has represented Pakistan's youth at national and international forums, including COP 29. Her appointment was announced at a climate conference in Islamabad.
According to reports, her research on the impacts of climate change-induced floods on girls’ secondary education in Hub, Balochistan, was recognised as one of the winners of the UNICEF Policy Research Challenge in 2023.
"I am honoured to join UNICEF Pakistan as a Youth Advocate to champion children's rights and well-being. Meaningful change starts with listening to the voices of children and youth and making sure we can participate in decisions that shape our future," said Zunaira Qayyum.
UNICEF says Zunaira has passionately pursued advocacy ever since using UNICEF’s Youth Advocacy Guide to train adolescents in Hub, Balochistan on advocacy, policy engagement, research and network building for campaigns.
Children in Pakistan face increasing threats from climate change and destructive weather events including floods, droughts and heatwaves. Climate change is also deepening the learning crisis and threatening children’s ability to learn.
“The climate crisis poses one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced but when I listen to Zunaira and the children of Pakistan, I find hope and inspiration for the future. We must do more to empower children and young people with opportunities to lead, act and help this country prosper. We are honoured to welcome Zunaira as a UNICEF Youth Advocate as we work to safeguard children’s futures,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
