Pakistan raises climate concerns at Arctic Circle Rome Forum -

WORLD

Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Masood Malik represented Pakistan at the Arctic Circle Rome Forum during his official visit to Italy from March 2–5, highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and calling for stronger global cooperation to address environmental challenges.

Speaking at the forum’s plenary session, the minister delivered Pakistan’s National Statement titled “View from Pakistan: Climate & Poles,” emphasizing the devastating impact of melting glaciers, rising sea levels and extreme weather events on the country.

During a panel discussion on “Science Diplomacy for Third Pole,” Malik stressed the need for science-based international cooperation, climate justice and stronger links between research institutions and policymakers to address shared environmental risks. He also participated in Polar Dialogue and high-level deliberations at the National Research Council of Italy.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Pakistani delegation held bilateral meetings with prominent global leaders and policymakers, including Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, chairman of the Arctic Circle; Katrín Jakobsdóttir, chair of Polar Dialogue; Vivian Motzfeldt; Mona Fortier; Eivind Vad Petersson; and Marie Anne Coninsx.

The minister also held meetings with Anna Maria Bernini and officials from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation to discuss collaboration in research and climate initiatives.

As part of his engagements, Malik visited Sapienza University of Rome, Italy’s largest public university, where he interacted with academics including Pro-Rector Giuseppe Ciccarone and Rodolfo Negri. Discussions focused on strengthening academic linkages and research cooperation between Pakistan and Italy.

During his interventions, the minister proposed several initiatives including the establishment of a Virtual Green University to connect researchers and innovators, a Climate Risk Capital Fund to support climate-tech startups, and a Green Intellectual Property framework to ensure equitable access to climate innovations.

Malik also participated in a discussion hosted by Andrea Lenzi, where he engaged with leading Italian scientists on biodiversity, cryosphere research and environmental sustainability.

In a media interaction with Sky TG24, the minister outlined Pakistan’s stance on climate diplomacy and called for enhanced global collaboration to address the cascading impacts of climate change.

Pakistan’s participation in the Rome Forum marked the country’s first appearance at the event and came under a special invitation. The Arctic Circle leadership also extended an invitation to Pakistan to participate as a keynote speaker at the forthcoming Arctic Circle Assembly, scheduled to be held in Reykjavík from October 8–10, 2026.

The minister’s engagements in Italy were coordinated by the Pakistan Embassy, with Third Secretary Shahnawaz Khan facilitating meetings aimed at promoting Pakistan’s climate narrative among policymakers, researchers, academia and the international media. – PID/ER News Desk

READ MORE