Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has launched the Challenge Fund for Climate Resilient Infrastructure, an initiative aimed at boosting the country’s climate resilience through innovative, scalable, and inclusive infrastructure projects.
With funding of up to €200,000, the fund will support model projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), especially regions vulnerable to a range of climate impacts including flooding, water scarcity, and extreme weather events.
The fund, which will be supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), will be jointly managed by GIZ Pakistan and Adam Smith International (ASI). It is a key component of the broader Pak-German Climate & Energy Partnership (PGCEP), a strategic framework for German development cooperation in Pakistan.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to PM on Climate Change, highlighted the significance of the launch, stating, “The launch of the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Challenge Fund marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to adapt to climate change.” “I believe this innovative fund will empower provinces and local governments to develop and implement innovative infrastructure projects that are not only climate-resilient but also contribute to sustainable development goals and the well-being of local communities.”
Aisha Humera Moriani, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, emphasized the importance of the fund in fortifying the country’s infrastructure against climate impacts. “This much-needed climate-resilient infrastructure development initiative aims to bolster the country’s infrastructure resilience against the impacts of climate change and support the construction of sustainable and adaptive infrastructure across vulnerable regions,” she said. “The fund will be a crucial step towards ensuring the country’s infrastructure can withstand the growing threats posed by climate-related disasters, including floods, droughts, and extreme weather events.”
Moriani further explained that the Challenge Fund will encourage innovation and participation from both the public and private sectors, helping to create lasting solutions for climate resilience. “We here at the ministry and in collaboration with our partner organization GIZ will make all-out efforts so that the fund is steered in a way that it is open to both public and private sector projects,” she added.
Maria-José Poddey, Country Director of GIZ Pakistan, emphasized the fund’s broader impact, stating, “This is not just about building infrastructure—it’s about building capacity. We aim to empower organisations, firms, and communities with the technical expertise and operational capabilities they need to lead in climate-resilient infrastructure development.”
GIZ Advisor Sobiah Becker stated that the Fund is designed for Pakistani startups, SMEs, local governments, and individuals who are eager to drive positive change.
Zulfiqar Younas, Additional Secretary-I at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, expressed confidence that the Challenge Fund would serve as a powerful tool for Pakistan’s climate goals. “Endorsing the Challenge Fund reflects the Ministry’s commitment to mobilizing resources, fostering innovation, and promoting collaborative efforts to meet Pakistan’s climate goals,” he remarked.
Hammad Shamimi, Additional Secretary-II, highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and the importance of proactive measures. “As Pakistan is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Challenge Fund will prove to be a proactive approach to mitigate climate risks and secure a more sustainable and resilient future for our people and infrastructure,” he said.
How to Apply?
Applicants are invited to submit solutions targeting specific climate challenges in rural, peri-urban, or urban areas. The selected projects will demonstrate practical and sustainable approaches to mitigating climate risks and promoting climate-resilient development.
The fund aims to support up to five projects. Priority will be given to projects that are technically viable, sustainable, and have the potential to foster long-term resilience and stability in local economies and communities.
Applications for the Challenge Fund for Climate Resilient Infrastructure are open until February 17, 2025, and interested parties are encouraged to collaborate and submit projects that address the specific climate challenges faced by the target regions.
6 Priority Areas
The six priority sectors identified by the fund reflect Pakistan’s most urgent climate challenges:
- Agriculture-Water Nexus – Projects that promote sustainable water use and agricultural resilience, particularly in drought-prone areas.
- Human Capital Development – Facilities that enhance climate adaptation in health and education sectors, ensuring these essential services remain resilient.
- Urban Resilience – Infrastructure that mitigates urban climate challenges, including flood prevention, heat reduction, and improved drainage systems.
- Disaster Preparedness – Strengthening community preparedness for climate-induced disasters through emergency shelters, response systems, and early warning systems.
- Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion – Projects that promote climate resilience among vulnerable groups, ensuring equitable access to resources and enhancing the adaptive capacity of women, youth, and marginalized populations.
- Natural Capital – Infrastructure that enhances ecosystem resilience, such as watershed restoration and sustainable water systems.