Marking the International Youth Day, the Pakistan-German Climate and Energy Partnership (PGCEP) joined hands with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Government of Pakistan, to organize a dynamic event.
Themed ‘Youth 4 Climate Action: Young Voices, Bold Solutions,’ the event aimed to channel the vibrancy and creativity of young individuals toward tackling the urgent challenges of climate change. The event was held on August 11.
Harnessing Youth Power for climate action
German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas emphasized the importance of amplifying the often-overlooked voices of the youth in addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change.
“Climate change affects all parts of our society. Therefore, together with our Pakistani partners, we want to amplify voices that are often left unheard: that of the youth” he said.
"We want to uplift the voices of the Pakistani youth because you can provide us with bold solutions."
— GIZ Pakistan (@GIZPakistan) August 11, 2023
🇩🇪 Ambassador H.E. Alfred Grannas, @GermanyinPAK, kicks off the #Youth4ClimateAction conference. pic.twitter.com/iJBhZNMPSA
Annually observed on August 12, International Youth Day serves as a platform to underscore the role of young people in sustainable development and climate action. In the context of this year’s event, the PGCEP recognized the youth’s influential role in shaping the future and driving constructive change.
Mujtaba Hussain, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, stressed the imperative of building a climate-resilient Pakistan. He underscored the gravity of the present moment, as the decisions made today will reverberate for generations.
“It will be your generation who will have to deal with the consequences of the decisions taken today. This is why I am happy to be able to address all of you today and stress how important the role of the youth is for us at the government level,” he said.
The event comprised a series of captivating activities and thought-provoking discussions designed to equip young participants with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate effectively for climate action. Eminent speakers from various corners of Pakistan shared their insights and experiences regarding climate change, gender dynamics, the disproportionate impact of climate disasters on vulnerable communities, and the pivotal role of youth in advancing these concerns.
“We are excited to bring together young minds from diverse backgrounds to celebrate International Youth Day with a focus on climate action. The enthusiasm and ideas of the youth are vital in shaping policies and initiatives that drive sustainability and combat climate change,” said Tobias Becker, the country director of GIZ Pakistan.

The event provided a platform for networking and dialogue among young participants, grassroots climate changemakers, and government stakeholders. Participants seized the opportunity to propose actionable solutions to mitigate the consequences of climate change.
Pakistan-German Climate and Energy Partnership
The Pakistan-German Climate and Energy Partnership, executed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with the German state-owned bank Kreditanstalt für Wideraufbau (KfW) and the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), operates on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The partnership unites Pakistan and Germany in pursuit of shared objectives in climate change adaptation, mitigation, climate finance, and a just energy transition. The initiative supports Pakistan in achieving climate-related targets and transitioning to clean and sustainable energy sources.
The partnership seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and empowerment, reflecting its joint mission to foster sustainable development, climate resilience, and clean energy solutions in Pakistan.