Dr. Musadik Malik Highlights Youth Role at Launch of UK-Funded Climate Finance Accelerator

PAKISTAN

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, addressed the launch ceremony of the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) in Islamabad, describing the initiative as a timely platform to mobilise climate finance for projects and enterprises aligned with Pakistan’s national climate priorities.

The Climate Finance Accelerator is a UK Government–funded technical assistance programme designed to help countries unlock investment for climate-resilient and low-carbon development by supporting viable projects and businesses in accessing international finance.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Malik stressed the pivotal role of youth in Pakistan’s climate and economic transformation. “We are a developing economy, and there is an urgent need to empower our youth. If we provide access and opportunities to young people, they can bring about a revolution for this country and for our economy,” he said.

Citing global examples, the Minister noted that cities such as Beijing and Shanghai were among the most polluted in the world just a decade ago, yet China now exports nearly 70 percent of global solar technology. “What did Chinese youth have that Pakistani youth lack? It was not talent or ability, it was opportunity,” he remarked. He also referred to Finland and other Nordic countries for their pioneering measures in forest protection and environmental sustainability, suggesting that Pakistan could draw valuable lessons from their experiences.

Dr. Malik underscored that initiatives like the CFA can create pathways for young entrepreneurs and innovators to turn climate-focused ideas into investable ventures. He highlighted the Ministry’s Green Fields Programme as a complementary platform where young innovators can present climate solutions and connect with investors. “Under Green Fields, the Ministry will link young entrepreneurs with national and international investors. We have already facilitated two Pakistani companies to pitch their ideas to international investors in Seville, Spain,” he shared.

Appreciating development partners, the Minister acknowledged the support of DAI for providing both technical and financial assistance. “We are going to work with our young people shoulder to shoulder. I want to transform this Ministry into an accelerator for youth—an incubation centre where ideas are nurtured and scaled,” he concluded. – ER News Desk

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