58/25 Young People 4 Climate (YPC–2025): Pakistan’s Youth Leading the Green Revolution
Posted 1 month ago
According to the editor-in-chief of Greeningdotlive, Pakistan’s future will be defined by the urgent need to empower youth and their strong perceptions about climate change. The devastating effects of floods, heatwaves, and choking air pollution are no longer distant concerns; they’re directly impacting the development of children and young adults. Out of this pressing need comes Young People 4 Climate (YPC–2025), an innovative initiative that places the next generation at the forefront of Pakistan’s green transformation.
A Youth Movement With Purpose
Launched through the collaboration of UNICEF and Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), YPC–2025 isn’t just another awareness campaign. It is a structured national program that empowers children and young people to not just advocate for change, but to actively shape policy and design grassroots solutions, giving them a significant role in the future of their country.
The idea builds on the momentum of the United Nations’ Youth4Climate summit in Milan (2021), where global youth leaders demanded a seat at the climate table. Today, Pakistan is localizing that spirit—giving its youth a voice and real platforms to influence national climate policy.
From Classrooms to the National Stage
The program follows an impressive pipeline:
School Registrations & Essays/Speeches: Students apply by writing or speaking about climate issues. They are judged on their creativity, knowledge, and communication, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
Capacity Building: Selected participants receive hands-on training in climate science, adaptation strategies, and leadership.
Provincial Conclaves: A parliamentary-style debate format ensures diverse voices are heard, tested, and refined.
National Grand Finale: In Islamabad, the country’s brightest young climate minds gather to showcase solutions before policymakers, educators, and global observers.
This process ensures gender balance, includes underprivileged groups, and maintains transparency—turning climate action into a democratic exercise, where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
Beyond Awareness: Real Skills for a Green Future
What makes YPC–2025 remarkable is its focus on capacity building. Training sessions cover everything from climate finance and policy brief development to climate journalism, digital advocacy, and traditional knowledge-based adaptation. In other words, Pakistan’s youth are not just learning about climate change—they’re being prepared to lead in green entrepreneurship, sustainable policymaking, and climate-tech innovation.
The Global Context
Internationally, youth-led climate movements are shifting the narrative. Children’s right to a safe climate is increasingly recognized as a human right. Eco-clubs, climate networks, and green startups are mushrooming worldwide. Pakistan’s YPC–2025 aligns with this momentum, proving that its youth can influence governments, businesses, and multilateral organizations.
Why It Matters for Pakistan?
Pakistan has been on the frontlines of climate disasters. The 2022 floods displaced millions and inflicted billions in damages. Air quality in major cities regularly hits hazardous levels. Climate action is not optional for the world’s fifth-most populous country—it’s existential. By empowering its largest demographic—youth—Pakistan is addressing today’s challenges and future-proofing its economy and society.
A Word of Appreciation
As Editor-in-Chief of Greeningdotlive, I extend heartfelt appreciation to UNICEF, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Government of Pakistan, and the passionate young people who are making YPC–2025 possible. This initiative is more than a competition or conference—it is a movement of hope, resilience, and innovation.
The world is beginning to recognize that when youth are given knowledge, resources, and a platform, they don’t just speak up instea they lead. In Pakistan, YPC 2025 is ensuring they do exactly that.
